Title 49—Transportation--Volume 1
PART 173—SHIPPERS—GENERAL REQUIREMENTS FOR SHIPMENTS AND PACKAGINGS
§ 173.306   Limited quantities of compressed gases.
(a) Limited quantities of compressed gases for which exceptions are permitted as noted by reference to this section in § 172.101 of this subchapter are excepted from labeling, except when offered for transportation or transported by air, and, unless required as a condition of the exception, specification packaging requirements of this subchapter when packaged in accordance with the following paragraphs. For transportation by aircraft, the package must conform to the applicable requirements of § 173.27 and only packages of hazardous materials authorized aboard passenger-carrying aircraft may be transported as a limited quantity. In addition, shipments are not subject to subpart F (Placarding) of part 172 of this subchapter, to part 174 of this subchapter except § 174.24, and to part 177 of this subchapter except § 177.817. Except as otherwise provided in this section, each package may not exceed 30 kg (66 lbs.) gross weight.
(1) When in containers of not more than 4 fluid ounces capacity (7.22 cubic inches or less) except cigarette lighters. Additional exceptions for certain compressed gases in limited quantities are provided in paragraph (i) of this section.
(2) When in refillable metal containers filled with a material that is not classed as a hazardous material to not more than 90% of capacity at 21.1 °C (70 °F) and then charged with nonflammable, nonliquefied gas. Each container must be tested to three times the pressure at 21.1 °C (70 °F) and, when refilled, be retested to three times the pressure of the gas at 21.1 °C (70 °F). Also, one of the following conditions must be met:
(i) The container is not over 0.95 L (1 quart) capacity and charged to not more than 170 psig (1172.1 kPa) at 21.1 °C (70 °F), and must be packed in a strong outer packaging; or
(ii) The container is not over 114 L (30 gallons) capacity and charged to not more than 75 psig (517.1 kPa) at 21.1 °C (70 °F).
(3) When in a metal aerosol container (see § 171.8 of this subchapter for the definition of aerosol ). Authorized containers include non-specification, DOT 2P (§ 178.33 of this subchapter), DOT 2Q (§ 178.33a of this subchapter), or DOT 2Q1 (§ 178.33(d) of this subchapter) design, provided the following conditions are met. Additional exceptions for aerosol containers conforming to this paragraph (a)(3) are provided in paragraph (i) of this section.
(i) Capacity. The capacity of the container must not exceed 1 L (61.0 cubic inches).
(ii) General pressure conditions. The authorized metal aerosol containers and associated pressure limitations are provided in the following table. Pressure inside the container may not exceed 180 psig at 54.4 °C (130 °F) except as may be authorized by variations of a DOT specification container type. In any event, the metal container must be capable of withstanding without bursting a pressure of at least one and one-half times the equilibrium pressure of the contents at 54.4 °C (130 °F).
Authorized Metal Aerosol Containers
(iii) Liquid fill. The liquid content of the material and gas must not completely fill the container at 54.4 °C (130 °F).
(iv) Outer packaging. The containers must be packed in strong outer packagings.
(v) Pressure testing. Except as otherwise provided in this paragraph, each container, after it is filled, must be subjected to a test performed in a hot water bath; the temperature of the bath and the duration of the test must be such that the internal pressure reaches that which would be reached at 55 °C (131 °F), or 50 °C (122 °F) if the liquid phase does not exceed 95% of the capacity of the container at 50 °C (122 °F)). If the contents are sensitive to heat, the temperature of the bath must be set at between 20 °C (68 °F) and 30 °C (86 °F) but, in addition, one container in 2,000 must be tested at the higher temperature. No leakage or permanent deformation of a container may occur. However, instead of this standard water bath test, container(s) may be tested using one of the following methods subject to certain conditions—
(A) Alternative water bath test. ( 1 ) One filled container in a lot of 2,000 must be subjected to a test performed in a hot water bath; the temperature of the bath and the duration of the test must be such that the internal pressure reaches that which would be reached at 55 °C (131 °F). If the container shows evidence of leakage or permanent deformation, the lot of 2,000 containers must be rejected;
( 2 ) A second filled container in the lot of 2,000 must be weighed and compared to the weight specification for the containers as documented in the operating procedures for the weight test. Failure of the container to meet the weight specification is evidence of leakage or overfilling and the lot of 2,000 must be rejected;
( 3 ) The remainder of the containers in the lot of 2,000 must be visually inspected (e.g, examination of the seams). Containers showing evidence of leakage or overfilling must not be transported; and
( 4 ) Each person employing this test must maintain a copy of the operating procedures (or an electronic file thereof) that is accessible at, or through, its principal place of business and must make the procedures available upon request, at a reasonable time and location, to an authorized official of the Department.
(B) Automated pressure test. Each person employing an automated process for pressure testing of filled containers must develop procedures for implementation of the test. Each person must maintain a copy of the procedures (or an electronic file thereof) that is accessible at, or through, its principal place of business and must make the procedures available upon request, at a reasonable time and location, to an authorized official of the Department. The procedures must, at a minimum, include instruction on the following:
( 1 ) Pressure specifications. Each person must specify pressure standard(s) (e.g., a pressure limit or range) for a container respective of the design and/or contents. Each container, after it is filled, must be pressure checked and compared to the standards. For a pressure limit, any container exceeding the pressure limit must be rejected. For a pressure range, any container outside of the set range must be rejected. The instruments used to determine the pressure must be properly calibrated before a production run to an accuracy of ±or better; and
( 2 ) Periodic inspection. At designated intervals, a randomly selected container must be inspected for proper closure and verification of filling pressure. If a container shows signs of improper closure or over-filling, five (5) additional randomly selected containers must be inspected. If any of the additional containers show signs of improper closure or over-filling, all containers produced since the last inspection must be rejected.
(C) Weight test. Each person employing a weight test of filled containers must develop procedures for implementation of the test. Each person must maintain a copy of the procedures (or an electronic file thereof) that is accessible at, or through, its principal place of business and must make the procedures available upon request, at a reasonable time and location, to an authorized official of the Department. The procedures must, at a minimum, include instruction on the following:
( 1 ) Weight specifications. Each person must specify target weight specifications for a particular container. Each container, after it is filled, must be weighed and compared to the target weight specification for the container. Any container outside the target weight specification is an indication of leakage or overfilling and must be rejected. The instruments used to determine the weight must be properly calibrated before a testing run and be sufficiently sensitive to measure within 0.10 g of the true weight of the container;
( 2 ) Heat testing and pressure limits. One container out of each lot of successfully filled containers must be heat tested by raising the internal pressure until it reaches that which would be reached at 55 °C (131 °F). The lot size should be no greater than 2,000. If the pressure in the container exceeds the maximum pressure allowed for the container type or if the container shows signs of leakage or permanent deformation, the lot must be rejected. Alternatively, five (5) additional randomly selected containers from the lot may be tested to qualify the lot but if any of the five containers fail the test, the entire lot must be rejected;
( 3 ) Periodic inspection. At intervals of not more than 10 minutes, a randomly selected container must be inspected for proper closure and verification of filling pressure. If a container shows signs of improper closure or over-filling, five (5) additional randomly selected containers must be inspected. If any of the additional containers show signs of improper closure or over-filling, all containers produced since the last inspection must be rejected; and
( 4 ) Visual inspection. Each container must be visually inspected prior to being packed. Any container showing signs of leakage or permanent deformation must be rejected.
(D) Leakage test. ( 1 ) Pressure and leak testing before filling. Each empty container must be subjected to a pressure equal to or in excess of the maximum expected in the filled containers at 55 °C (131 °F) or 50 °C (122 °F) if the liquid phase does not exceed 95% of the capacity of the container at 50 °C (122 °F). This must be at least two-thirds of the design pressure of the container. If any container shows evidence of leakage at a rate equal to or greater than 3.3 × 10 −2 mbar L/s at the test pressure, distortion or other defect, it must be rejected; and
( 2 ) Testing after filling. The person filling each container must ensure that the crimping equipment is set appropriately and the specified propellant is used before filling a container. Once filled, each container must be weighed and leak tested. The leak detection equipment must be sufficiently sensitive to detect at least a leak rate of 2.0 × 10 −3 mbar L/s at 20 °C (68 °F). Any filled container which shows evidence of leakage, deformation, or overfilling must be rejected.
(vi) Each outer packaging must be marked “INSIDE CONTAINERS COMPLY WITH PRESCRIBED REGULATIONS.”
(4) Gas samples must be transported under the following conditions:
(i) A gas sample may only be transported as non-pressurized gas when its pressure corresponding to ambient atmospheric pressure in the container is not more than 105 kPa absolute (15.22 psia).
(ii) Non-pressurized gases, toxic (or toxic and flammable) must be packed in hermetically sealed glass or metal inner packagings of not more than one L (0.3 gallons) overpacked in a strong outer packaging.
(iii) Non-pressurized gases, flammable must be packed in hermetically sealed glass or metal inner packagings of not more than 5 L (1.3 gallons) and overpacked in a strong outer packaging.
(5) For limited quantities of Division 2.2 gases with no subsidiary risk, when in a non-DOT specification or a specification DOT 2S (§ 178.33b of this subchapter) plastic aerosol container (see § 171.8 of this subchapter for the definition of aerosol) provided all of the following conditions are met. Additional exceptions for aerosols conforming to this paragraph (a)(5) are provided in paragraph (i) of this section.
(i) Capacity. The capacity of the container must not exceed 1 L (61.0 cubic inches).
(ii) General pressure conditions. Authorized plastic aerosol containers and associated pressure limitations are provided in the following table. The pressure in the container must not exceed 160 psig at 54.4 °C (130 °F). The container must be capable of withstanding without bursting a pressure of at least one and one-half times the equilibrium pressure of the contents at 54.4 °C (130 °F).
Authorized Plastic Aerosol Containers
(iii) Liquid fill. Liquid content of the material and gas must not completely fill the container at 54.4 °C (130 °F).
(iv) Outer packaging. The containers must be packed in strong outer packagings.
(v) Pressure testing. Except as provided in paragraph (a)(5)(vi) of this section, each container must be subjected to a test performed in a hot water bath. The temperature of the bath and the duration of the test must be such that the internal pressure reaches that which would be reached at 55 °C (131 °F) or 50 °C (122 °F) if the liquid phase does not exceed 95% of the capacity of the container at 50 °C (122 °F). If the contents are sensitive to heat, or if the container is made of plastic material which softens at this test temperature, the temperature of the bath must be set at between 20 °C (68 °F) and 30 °C (86 °F) but, in addition, one container in 2,000 must be tested at the higher temperature. No leakage or permanent deformation of a container is permitted except that a plastic container may be deformed through softening provided that it does not leak.
(vi) Leakage test. As an alternative to the hot water bath test in paragraph (a)(5)(v) of this section, testing may be performed as follows:
(A) Pressure and leak testing before filling. Each empty container must be subjected to a pressure equal to or in excess of the maximum expected in the filled containers at 55 °C (131 °F) or 50 °C (122 °F) if the liquid phase does not exceed 95% of the capacity of the container at 50 °C (122 °F). This must be at least two-thirds of the design pressure of the container. If any container shows evidence of leakage at a rate equal to or greater than 3.3 × 10 −2 mbar L/s at the test pressure, distortion or other defect, it must be rejected; and
(B) Testing after filling. Prior to filling, the filler must ensure that the crimping equipment is set appropriately and the specified propellant is used before filling the container. Once filled, each container must be weighed and leak tested. The leak detection equipment must be sufficiently sensitive to detect at least a leak rate of 2.0 × 10 −3 mbar L/s at 20 °C (68 °F). Any filled container that shows evidence of leakage, deformation, or excessive weight must be rejected.
(vii) Each outer packaging must be marked “INSIDE CONTAINERS COMPLY WITH PRESCRIBED REGULATIONS.”
(b) Exceptions for foodstuffs, soap, biologicals, electronic tubes, and audible fire alarm systems. Limited quantities of compressed gases (except Division 2.3 gases) for which exceptions are provided as indicated by reference to this section in § 172.101 of this subchapter, when in conformance with one of the following paragraphs, are excepted from labeling, except when offered for transportation or transported by aircraft, and the specification packaging requirements of this subchapter. For transportation by aircraft, the package must conform to the applicable requirements of § 173.27 and only packages of hazardous materials authorized aboard passenger-carrying aircraft may be transported as a limited quantity. In addition, shipments are not subject to subpart F (Placarding) of part 172 of this subchapter, to part 174 of this subchapter, except § 174.24, and to part 177 of this subchapter, except § 177.817. Additional exceptions for certain compressed gases in limited quantities are provided in paragraph (i) of this section.
(1) Foodstuffs or soaps with soluble or emulsified compressed gas are authorized in non-refillable metal or plastic containers not to exceed 1 L (61.0 cubic inches) capacity provided the pressure in each container does not exceed 140 psig at 54.4 °C (130 °F) unless authorized by variation of a container type. For pressures ranging from greater than 140 psig to 160 psig, a variation DOT 2P1 or DOT 2Q2 (§§ 178.33(c) and (d) of this subchapter, respectively) container must be used. However, the pressure of the contents in the container may not be greater than 150 psig at 23.9 °C (75 °F). Plastic containers may only contain Division 2.2 non-flammable soluble or emulsified compressed gas. Metal or plastic containers must be capable of withstanding, without bursting, a pressure of at least one and one-half times the equilibrium pressure of the contents at 54.4 °C (130 °F).
Authorized Aerosol Containers for Foodstuffs and Soaps
(i) Containers must be packed in strong outer packagings.
(ii) Liquid content of the material and the gas must not completely fill the container at 55 °C (131 °F).
(iii) Each outer packaging must be marked “INSIDE CONTAINERS COMPLY WITH PRESCRIBED REGULATIONS.”
(2) Cream in refillable metal or plastic containers with soluble or emulsified compressed gas. Plastic containers must only contain Division 2.2 non-flammable soluble or emulsified compressed gas. Containers must be of such design that they will hold pressure without permanent deformation up to 375 psig and must be equipped with a device designed so as to release pressure without bursting of the container or dangerous projection of its parts at higher pressures. This exception applies to shipments offered for transportation by refrigerated motor vehicles only.
(3) Nonrefillable metal or plastic containers charged with a Division 6.1 PG III or nonflammable solution containing biological products or a medical preparation that could be deteriorated by heat, and compressed gas or gases. Plastic containers may only contain 2.2 non-flammable soluble or emulsified compressed gas. The capacity of each container may not exceed 35 cubic inches (19.3 fluid ounces). The pressure in the container may not exceed 140 psig at 54.4 °C (130 °F), and the liquid content of the product and gas must not completely fill the containers at 54.4 °C (130 °F). One completed container out of each lot of 500 or less, filled for shipment, must be heated, until the pressure in the container is equivalent to equilibrium pressure of the contents at 54.4 °C (130 °F). There must be no evidence of leakage, distortion, or other defect. The container must be packed in strong outer packagings.
(4) Electronic tubes, each having a volume of not more than 30 cubic inches and charged with gas to a pressure of not more than 35 psig and packed in strong outer packagings are authorized.
(5) Audible fire alarm systems powered by a compressed gas contained in an inside metal container when shipped are authorized under the following conditions:
(i) Each inside container must have contents that are not flammable, poisonous, or corrosive as defined under this part,
(ii) Each inside container may not have a capacity exceeding 35 cubic inches (19.3 fluid ounces),
(iii) Each inside container may not have a pressure exceeding 70 psig at 21.1 °C (70 °F) and the liquid portion of the gas may not completely fill the inside container at 54.4 °C (130 °F), and
(iv) Each nonrefillable inside container must be designed and fabricated with a burst pressure of not less than four times its charged pressure at 54.4 °C (130 °F). Each refillable inside container must be designed and fabricated with a burst pressure of not less than five times its charged pressure at 54.4 °C (130 °F).
(c)-(d) [Reserved]
(e) Refrigerating machines. (1) New (unused) refrigerating machines or components thereof are excepted from the specification packaging requirements of this part if they meet the following conditions. In addition, shipments are not subject to subpart F of part 172 of this subchapter, to part 174 of this subchapter except § 174.24 and to part 177 of this subchapter except § 177.817.
(i) Each pressure vessel may not contain more than 5,000 pounds of Group A1 refrigerant as classified in ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 15 or not more than 50 pounds of refrigerant other than Group A1.
(ii) Machines or components having two or more charged vessels may not contain an aggregate of more than 2,000 pounds of Group I refrigerant or more than 100 pounds of refrigerant other than Group I.
(iii) Each pressure vessel must be equipped with a safety device meeting the requirements of ANSI/ASHRAE 15 (IBR, see § 171.7 of this subchapter).
(iv) Each pressure vessel must be equipped with a shut-off valve at each opening except openings used for safety devices and with no other connection. These valves must be closed prior to and during transportation.
(v) Pressure vessels must be manufactured, inspected and tested in accordance with ANSI/ASHRAE 15, or when over 6 inches internal diameter, in accordance with Section VIII of the ASME Code (IBR, see § 171.7 of this subchapter).
(vi) All parts subject to refrigerant pressure during shipment must be tested in accordance with ANSI/ASHRAE 15.
(vii) The liquid portion of the refrigerant, if any, may not completely fill any pressure vessel at 130 °F.
(viii) The amount of refrigerant, if liquefied, may not exceed the filling density prescribed in § 173.304.
(2) Used refrigerating machines —(i) Packaging. Reconditioned (used) refrigerating machines (UN 2857, Div. 2.2) may be excepted from the marking requirements of § 172.302(c) of this subchapter and transported by motor vehicle when they conform to the requirements prescribed in § 173.306(e)(1), are secured or permanently attached to the motor vehicle, and are:
(A) Permanently affixed to a steel base structure,
(B) Permanently affixed to a trailer, or
(C) Manufactured with a rigid internal structure designed for transportation and stacking conditions such that they do not leak and do not deteriorate, distort, or become damaged in a manner that could adversely affect their safety or reduce their strength in transportation, cause instability in stacks of refrigerating machines, or cause damage to these machines in a way that is likely to reduce safety in transportation.
(ii) Testing. Used refrigerating machines returned from their rental locations must be transported back to an authorized original equipment manufacturer service facility and undergo maintenance, repair and/or replacement that renders these machines operational at the same level as that of new refrigerating machines, and must undergo a leak test by a certified technician, prior to re-shipment.
(f) Accumulators (Articles, pressurized pneumatic or hydraulic containing non-flammable gas). The following applies to accumulators, which are hydraulic accumulators containing nonliquefied, nonflammable gas, and nonflammable liquids or pneumatic accumulators containing nonliquefied, nonflammable gas, fabricated from materials which will not fragment upon rupture.
(1) Accumulators installed in motor vehicles, construction equipment, and assembled machinery and designed and fabricated with a burst pressure of not less than five times their charged pressure at 70 °F, when shipped, are not subject to the requirements of this subchapter.
(2) Accumulators charged with limited quantities of compressed gas to not more than 200 psig at 70 °F are excepted from labeling (except when offered for transportation by air) and the specification packaging requirements of this subchapter when shipped under the following conditions. In addition, shipments are not subject to subpart F (placarding) of part 172 of this subchapter, to part 174 of this subchapter except § 174.24 and to part 177 of this subchapter except § 177.817.
(i) Each accumulator must be shipped as an inside packaging. Robust accumulators may be transported unpackaged, in crates, or in appropriate overpacks, when the hazardous materials are afforded equivalent protection by the article in which they are contained;
(ii) Each accumulator may not have a gas space exceeding 2,500 cubic inches under stored pressure; and
(iii) Each accumulator must be tested, without evidence of failure or damage, to at least three times its charged pressure of 70 °F, but not less than 120 psi before initial shipment and before each refilling and reshipment.
(3) Accumulators with a charging pressure exceeding 200 psig at 70 °F and in compliance with the requirements stated in paragraph (f)(2) of this section, as applicable, are excepted from labeling (except when offered for transportation by air) and the specification packaging requirements of this subchapter when shipped under the following conditions:
(i) Each accumulator must be designed and fabricated with a burst pressure of not less than five (5) times its charged pressure at 70 °F when shipped;
(ii) For an accumulator with a gas space not to exceed 100 cubic inches, it must be designed and fabricated with a burst pressure of not less than five (5) times its charged pressure at 70 °F. Out of each lot not to exceed 1,000 successively produced accumulators per day of the same type, accumulators must be tested, in lieu of the testing of paragraph (f)(2)(iii) of this section, as follows:
(A) One (1) accumulator must be tested to the minimum design burst pressure;
(B) Two (2) accumulators, one at the beginning of production and one at the end must be tested to at least two and a half times the charge pressure without evidence of leakage or distortion;
(C) If accumulators fail either test, an additional four (4) sets of accumulators from the lot may be tested. If any additional accumulators fail, the lot must be rejected;
(iii) For an accumulator with a gas space not to exceed 30 cubic inches, it must be designed and fabricated with a burst pressure of not less than four (4) times its charged pressure at 70 °F. Out of each lot not to exceed 1,000 successively produced accumulators per day of the same type, accumulators must be tested, in lieu of the testing of paragraph (f)(2)(iii) of this section, as follows:
(A) One (1) accumulator must be tested to the minimum design burst pressure;
(B) Two (2) accumulators, one at the beginning of production and one at the end must be tested to at least two and a half times the charge pressure without evidence of leakage or distortion;
(C) If accumulators fail either test, an additional four (4) sets of accumulators from the lot may be tested. If any additional accumulators fail, the lot must be rejected;
(iv) Accumulators must be packaged in strong outer packaging. Robust accumulators may be transported unpackaged, in crates, or in appropriate overpacks, when the hazardous materials are afforded equivalent protection by the article in which they are contained.
(4) Accumulators intended to function as shock absorbers, struts, gas springs, pneumatic springs or other impact or energy-absorbing devices are not subject to the requirements of this subchapter provided each:
(i) Has a gas space capacity not exceeding 1.6 L and a charge pressure not exceeding 280 bar, where the product of the capacity expressed in liters and charge pressure expressed in bars does not exceed 80 (for example, 0.5 L gas space and 160 bar charge pressure);
(ii) Has a minimum burst pressure of 4 times the charge pressure at 20 °C for products not exceeding 0.5 L gas space capacity and 5 times the charge pressure for products greater than 0.5 L gas space capacity;
(iii) Design type has been subjected to a fire test demonstrating that the article relieves its pressure by means of a fire degradable seal or other pressure relief device, such that the article will not fragment and that the article does not rocket; and
(iv) Accumulators must be manufactured under a written quality assurance program which monitors parameters controlling burst strength, burst mode and performance in a fire situation as specified in paragraphs (f)(4)(i) through (f)(4)(iii) of this section. A copy of the quality assurance program must be maintained at each facility at which the accumulators are manufactured.
(5) Accumulators not conforming to the provisions of paragraphs (f)(1) through (f)(4) of this section may only be transported subject to the approval of the Associate Administrator.
(g) Water pump system tank. Water pump system tanks pre-charged at time of manufacture with compressed air or limited quantities of nitrogen or helium to not over 275.79 kPa gauge pressure (40 psig) for single-trip shipment to installation sites are excepted from labeling, and the specification packaging requirements of this subchapter when shipped under the following conditions. In addition, shipments of these tanks are not subject to the placarding requirements of subpart F of part 172 of this subchapter, and not subject to parts 174 (except § 174.24) and 177 (except § 177.817) of this subchapter.
(1) The tank must be of steel or composite construction, with heads concave to pressure, having a rated water capacity not exceeding 455 L (120 gallons) and with an outside diameter not exceeding 61 cm (24 inches). These tanks may be operated in ambient air temperatures of up to 49 °C (120 °F) with a maximum working pressure not less than 75 psig and not greater than 150 psig. Safety relief devices are not required.
(2) Each tank must be pneumatically tested to the manufacturer's specified maximum working pressure. The test pressure must be permanently marked on the tank. In any case, the pneumatic test must not be conducted to a pressure exceeding 150 psig.
(3) The stress at prescribed pressure for steel tanks must not exceed 20,000 psig (or 25,000 psig for deep-draw steel), using the formula:
(4) For steel and composite tanks, the burst pressure must be at least six (6) times the pre-charge pressure at 21.1 °C (70 °F) or three (3) times the manufacturer's specified maximum working pressure, whichever is greater.
(5) Each tank must be over-packed in a strong outer packaging in conformance with § 173.301(h).
(6) Transportation is limited to motor vehicle, railcar, and vessel. Transportation by aircraft is not authorized.
(h) Lighter refills. (1) Lighter refills (see § 171.8 of this subchapter) must not contain an ignition element but must contain a release device. Lighter refills offered for transportation under this section may not exceed 4 fluid ounces capacity (7.22 cubic inches) or contain more than 65 grams of a Division 2.1 fuel. For transportation by highway or rail, lighter refills must be tightly packed and secured against shifting in strong outer packagings. For transportation by aircraft or vessel, lighter refills must be tightly packed and secured against shifting in any rigid specification outer packaging authorized in subpart L of part 178 of this subchapter at the Packing Group II performance level.
(2) Exceptions. (i) For other than transportation by aircraft, exceptions for certain compressed gases in limited quantities are provided in paragraph (i) of this section.
(ii) For highway transportation, when no more than 1,500 lighter refills covered by this paragraph are transported in one motor vehicle, the requirements of subparts C through H of part 172, and part 177 of this subchapter do not apply. Lighter refills covered under this paragraph must be packaged in rigid, strong outer packagings meeting the general packaging requirements of subpart B of this part. Outer packagings must be plainly and durably marked on two opposing sides or ends with the words “LIGHTER REFILLS” and the number of devices contained therein in letters measuring at least 20 mm (0.79 in) in height. No person may offer for transportation or transport the lighter refills or prepare the lighter refills for shipment unless that person has been specifically informed of the requirements of this section.
(i) Limited quantities. A limited quantity that conforms to the provisions of paragraph (a)(1), (a)(3), (a)(5), (b) or, except for transportation by aircraft, paragraph (h) of this section is excepted from labeling requirements, unless the material is offered for transportation or transported by aircraft, and the specification packaging requirements of this subchapter when packaged in combination packagings according to this paragraph. Packages must be marked in accordance with § 172.315(a) or (b), as appropriate. Packages of limited quantities intended for transportation by aircraft must conform to the applicable requirements ( e.g., authorized materials, inner packaging quantity limits, and closure securement) of § 173.27 of this part. A limited quantity package that conforms to the provisions of this section is not subject to the shipping paper requirements of subpart C of part 172 of this subchapter, unless the material meets the definition of a hazardous substance, hazardous waste, marine pollutant, or is offered for transportation and transported by aircraft or vessel and is eligible for the exceptions provided in § 173.156 of this part. Outside packagings conforming to this paragraph are not required to be marked “INSIDE CONTAINERS COMPLY WITH PRESCRIBED REGULATIONS.” In addition, packages of limited quantities are not subject to subpart F (Placarding) of part 172 of this subchapter. Each package must conform to the packaging requirements of subpart B of this part and may not exceed 30 kg (66 pounds) gross weight.
(j) Aerosols and receptacles small, containing gas with a capacity of less than 50 mL. Aerosols, as defined in § 171.8 of this subchapter, and receptacles, small, containing gas, with a capacity not exceeding 50 mL (1.7 fluid oz.) and with a pressure not exceeding 970 kPa (141 psig) at 55 °C (131 °F), containing no hazardous materials other than a Division 2.2 gas, are not subject to the requirements of this subchapter except that for transport by aircraft, such aerosols and receptacles must be transported as cargo and may not be carried onboard an aircraft by passengers or crewmembers in carry-on baggage, checked baggage, or on their person unless specifically excepted by § 175.10. The pressure limit may be increased to 2,000 kPa (290 psig) at 55 °C (131 °F) provided the aerosols are transported in outer packages that conform to the packaging requirements of Subpart B of this part. This paragraph (j) does not apply to a self-defense spray (e.g., pepper spray).
(k) Aerosols for recycling or disposal. Aerosols (as defined in § 171.8 of this subchapter) intended for recycling or disposal may be transported under the following conditions:
(1) Aerosols conforming to paragraph (a)(3), (a)(5), (b)(1), (b)(2), or (b)(3) of this section are excepted from the labeling requirements of subpart E of part 172 this subchapter, the specification packaging requirements of this subchapter when packaged in accordance with this paragraph, the shipping paper requirements of subpart C of part 172 of this subchapter (unless the material meets the definition of a hazardous substance or hazardous waste), and the 30 kg (66 pounds) gross weight limitation, when transported by motor vehicle for purposes of recycling or disposal under the following conditions:
(i) The aerosols must be packaged in a strong outer packaging. The strong outer packaging and its contents must not exceed a gross weight of 500 kg (1,100 pounds);
(ii) Each aerosol must be secured with a cap to protect the valve stem or the valve stem must be removed;
(iii) Each completed package must be marked in accordance with § 172.315(a); and
(iv) The packaging must be offered for transportation or transported by—
(A) Private or contract motor carrier; or
(B) Common carrier in a motor vehicle under exclusive use for such service.
(2) Aerosols intended to conform to paragraphs (a)(3) or (a)(5) of this section at the time of filling but are leaking, have been improperly filled, or otherwise no longer conform to paragraphs (a)(3) or (a)(5) of this section may be offered for transportation and transported for disposal or recycling under the conditions provided in this paragraph (k)(2). Such aerosols are not eligible for the exceptions provided in paragraphs (a) and (i) of this section except for subpart F (Placarding) of part 172 of this subchapter.
(i) Packaging. (A) The aerosols must be packaged in a metal or plastic removable head UN 1A2, 1B2, 1N2 or 1H2 drum tested and marked to the PG II performance level or higher for liquids;
(B) Each drum must be provided, when necessary, with sufficient cushioning and absorption material to prevent excessive shifting of the aerosols and to eliminate the presence of any free liquid at the time the drum is closed. All cushioning and absorbent material used in the drum must be compatible with the hazardous material; and
(C) The pressure inside each completed drum, at any time during transportation, may not exceed the design test pressure marked on the drum.
(ii) Hazard communication. (A) Notwithstanding the marking requirements for non-bulk packages in § 172.301 of this subchapter, each drum must be marked “AEROSOL SALVAGE” or “AEROSOL SALVAGE DRUM” in association with the required label(s); and
(B) The overpack marking requirements of § 173.25 of this subchapter do not apply.
(3) Modal restrictions. The completed drums must be offered for transportation and transported by private or contract carrier by highway or rail. Vessel and air transportation are not authorized.
(l) For additional exceptions, see § 173.307.
(m) Reverse logistics. Hazardous materials meeting the definition of “reverse logistics” under § 171.8 of this subchapter and in compliance with this section may be offered for transport and transported in highway transportation in accordance with § 173.157. For the purposes of this paragraph a cylinder or aerosol container may be assumed to meet the definition of a Division 2.1 or 2.2 material, respectively, even if the exact pressure is unknown.
(n) Receptacles, small, containing gas or gas cartridges for recycling or disposal. Receptacles, small, containing gas or gas cartridges not exceeding 1.0 L (0.3 gallons) capacity may be offered for transportation for the purposes of recycling or disposal. Receptacles, small, containing gas or gas cartridges are not required to be protected against shifting and inadvertent discharge if measures to prevent dangerous build-up of pressure and dangerous atmospheres are addressed and are excepted from the specification packaging requirements of this subchapter when packaged and offered in accordance with this paragraph (n).
(1) Receptacles, small, containing gas or gas cartridges for recycling or disposal, other than those that are leaking or severely deformed, must be packaged as follows:
(i) The receptacles, small, containing gas or gas cartridges must be packaged in a strong outer packaging. The strong outer packaging and its contents must not exceed a gross weight of 55 kg (121 pounds) for fiberboard packagings or 125 kg (275 pounds) for other packagings; and
(ii) Packagings must be adequately ventilated to prevent the creation of dangerous atmospheres and build-up of pressure.
(2) Rigid large packagings are authorized conforming to the packing group II performance level made of:
(i) Steel (50A); Aluminum (50B); Metal other than steel or aluminum (50N); Rigid plastics (50H); Natural wood (50C); Plywood (50D); Reconstituted wood (50F); Rigid fiberboard (50G).
(ii) Large packagings must be designed and constructed to prevent dangerous shifting and inadvertent discharge during normal conditions of transport;
(iii) Large packagings must be adequately ventilated to prevent the creation of dangerous atmospheres and the build-up of pressure; and
(iv) Leaking or severely deformed containers must be transported in salvage cylinders or salvage packagings provided adequate measures are taken to prevent a dangerous build-up of pressure.
(3) Receptacles, small, containing gas or gas cartridges for recycling or disposal must not be transported in closed freight containers.
(4) Receptacles, small, containing gas or gas cartridges for recycling or disposal that were filled with Division 2.2 gases and have been pierced are not subject to the requirements of this subchapter.
§ 173.307   Exceptions for compressed gases.
(a) The following materials are not subject to the requirements of this subchapter:
(1) Carbonated beverages.
(2) Tires when inflated to pressures not greater than their rated inflation pressures. For transportation by air, tires and tire assemblies must meet the conditions in § 175.8(b)(4) of this subchapter.
(3) Balls used for sports.
(4) Refrigerating machines, including dehumidifiers and air conditioners, and components thereof, such as precharged tubing containing:
(i) 12 kg (25 pounds) or less of a non-flammable, non-toxic gas;
(ii) 12 L (3 gallons) or less of ammonia solution (UN2672);
(iii) Except when offered or transported by air, 12 kg (25 pounds) or less of a flammable, non-toxic gas;
(iv) Except when offered or transported by air or vessel, 20 kg (44 pounds) or less of a Group A1 refrigerant specified in ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 15 (IBR, see § 171.7 of this subchapter); or
(v) 100 g (4 ounces) or less of a flammable, non-toxic liquefied gas.
(5) Manufactured articles or apparatuses, other than light bulbs each containing not more than 100 mg (0.0035 ounce) of inert gas and packaged so that the quantity of inert gas per package does not exceed 1 g (0.035 ounce).
(6) Light bulbs (lamps) conforming to the requirements of § 173.11.
(b) [Reserved]
§ 173.308   Lighters.
(a) General requirements. No person may offer for transportation or transport a lighter (see § 171.8 of this subchapter) containing a Division 2.1 (flammable gas) material except under the following conditions:
(1) The lighter must contain a fuel reservoir not exceeding 4 fluid ounces capacity (7.22 cubic inches), and must contain not more than 10 grams (0.35 ounce) of flammable gas.
(2) The maximum filling density may not exceed 85 percent of the volumetric capacity of each fluid reservoir at 15 °C (59 °F).
(3) Each lighter design, including closures, must be capable of withstanding, without leakage or rupture, an internal pressure of at least two times the pressure of the flammable gas at 55 °C (131 °F).
(4) Each appropriate lighter design must be examined and successfully tested by a person or agency (authorized testing agency) who is authorized by the Associate Administrator to perform such examination and testing under the provisions of subpart E of part 107 of this chapter and who—
(i) Has the equipment necessary to perform the testing required to the level of accuracy required;
(ii) Is able to demonstrate, upon request, the knowledge of the testing procedures and requirements of the HMR relative to lighters;
(iii) Does not manufacture or market lighters, is not financially dependent or owned in whole or in part, by any entity that manufactures or markets lighters;
(iv) Is a resident of the United States; and
(v) Performs all examination and testing in accordance with the requirements of paragraph (b)(3) and (4) of this section.
(5) The Associate Administrator will assign an identification code to each person who is authorized to examine and test lighters. This identification code must be incorporated into a unique test report identifier for each successfully tested lighter design.
(b) Examination and testing of lighter design types —(1) Lighter design type definition. A new lighter design is one that has never been examined and tested or one that differs from a previous design in any manner that may affect the escape (leakage) of gas. Lighter characteristics that may affect the escape of gas include changes in materials of construction, ignition mechanism, burner valve design, wall thickness, sealing materials, and type of fuel (e.g., vapor pressure differences).
(2) Lighter samples submitted for examination and testing. Samples of a new lighter design are excepted from the requirements of (a)(4) and (d) of this section and may be offered for transportation and transported under the following conditions:
(i) The samples must be transported only to an authorized testing agency;
(ii) No more than 12 lighters may be packaged in a single outer packaging;
(iii) Inner packagings must conform to the requirements of paragraph (c)(1) of this section. For transportation by aircraft, intermediate or outer packagings must meet the pressure differential requirements of § 173.27(c) of this part;
(iv) The outer packaging must conform to the requirements of subpart M of part 178 of this subchapter at the Packing Group I performance level and to the requirements of § 173.24 of this subpart;
(v) The word “sample” must appear on the shipping paper as part of the proper shipping name or in association with the basic description; and
(vi) In addition to other required markings and labels, the package must be marked “SAMPLE FOR EXAMINATION AND TESTING.”
(vii) All other applicable requirements of this subchapter must be met.
(3) Examination and testing of sample lighters by an authorized testing agency. Each sample lighter must be examined for conformance with paragraph (a) of this section by a person authorized by the Associate Administrator. In addition, lighters must be subjected to the following leakage test:
(i) A minimum of six lighters must be examined and tested at one time. Store the lighters in a desiccator for 24 hours. After drying, weigh each lighter on an analytical balance capable of accurately measuring to within 1/10 of a milligram (0.0001 grams).
(ii) After weighing, place the lighters together in an explosion-proof, controlled-temperature laboratory oven capable of maintaining 38 ±1 °C (100 ±2 °F) for 96 continuous hours (4 days). At the end of 96 hours, remove the lighters from the oven and place them in the same desiccator and allow the lighters to cool to ambient temperature.
(iii) After cooling, weigh each lighter and determine the net weight differences for each lighter tested (subtract the mass after oven exposure from the original mass before oven exposure).
(iv) Weight losses must be assessed to determine the quantity of gas that leaked from the lighters and from the weight change as a result of absorbed moisture. If the net weight has increased, the test facility must run the required test using six empty lighters in parallel with the six filled lighters. The parallel tests are conducted to determine the weight of moisture absorbed in the plastic in order to determine the weight loss of the lighters from gas leakage.
(v) If the net weight loss for any one of the six lighters exceeds 20 milligrams (0.020 grams), the design must be rejected.
(vi) Lighters manufactured to a rejected lighter design may not be offered for transportation or transported in commerce unless approved in writing by the Associate Administrator.
(4) Recordkeeping requirements. (i) Following the examination of each new lighter design, the person or agency that conducted the examination and test must prepare a test report and make that test report available to the manufacturer. At a minimum, the test report must contain the following information:
(A) Name and address of test facility;
(B) Name and address of applicant;
(C) A test report identifier, that is, the authorized person or agency identifier code immediately followed by an alpha/numeric identifier of four or more characters assigned to the specific lighter design by the authorized person or agency (e.g., “LAA****,” where, “LAA” is the identification code assigned to the authorized person or agency by the Associate Administrator and “****” is replaced with the unique test report identifier assigned to the specific lighter design by the authorized person or agency);
(D) Manufacturer of the lighter. For a foreign manufacturer, the U.S. agent or importer must be identified;
(E) Description of the lighter design type (e.g., model, dimensions, ignition mechanism, reservoir capacity, lot/batch number) in sufficient detail to ensure conformance with paragraph (b)(4)(iii) of this section; and
(F) A certification by the authorized testing agency that the lighter design conforms to paragraph (a) of this section and passes or does not pass the required leakage test in paragraph (b) of this section.
(ii) For as long as any lighter design is in production and for at least three years thereafter, a copy of each lighter's test report must be maintained by the authorized testing agency that performed the examination and testing and the manufacturer of the design. For a foreign manufacturer, each test report must be maintained in accordance with this paragraph by the foreign manufacturer's U.S. agent or importer.
(iii) Test reports must be traceable to a specific lighter design and must be made available to a representative of the Department upon request.
(5) Transitional provisions. Until January 1, 2012, approval numbers issued by the Associate Administrator prior to January 1, 2007 may continue to be marked on packages and annotated on shipping papers, where applicable. After that time, previously issued approvals ( i.e., T-***) will no longer be valid and each lighter design currently in production must be re-examined and tested under the provisions of this section.
(c) Packaging requirements —(1) Inner containment. Lighters must be placed in an inner packaging that is designed to prevent shifting of the lighters and inadvertent ignition or leakage. The ignition device and gas control lever of each lighter must be designed, or securely sealed, taped, or otherwise fastened or packaged to protect against accidental functioning or leakage of the contents during transport. If lighters are packed vertically in a plastic tray, a plastic, fiberboard or paperboard partition must be used to prevent friction between the ignition device and the inner packaging.
(2) Outer packaging. Lighters and their inner packagings must be tightly packed and secured against shifting in any rigid specification outer packaging authorized in subpart L of part 178 of this subchapter at the Packing Group II performance level.
(d) Shipping paper and marking requirements. (1) In addition to the requirements of subpart C of part 172, shipping papers must be annotated with the lighter design test report identifier (see paragraph (b)(4)(i)(C) of this section) traceable to the test report assigned to the lighters or, if applicable, the previously issued approval number ( i.e., T* * *), in association with the basic description.
(2) In addition to the requirements of subpart D of part 172, a lighter design test report identifier (see paragraph (b)(4)(i)(C) of this section) or, if applicable, the previously issued approval number ( i.e., T* * *), must be marked on a package containing lighters.
(e) Exceptions —(1) Common or contract carriage. For highway transportation by common or contract carrier, when no more than 1,500 lighters covered by this section are transported in one motor vehicle, the requirements of subparts C through H of part 172, and part 177 of this subchapter do not apply. Lighters transported in accordance with this paragraph are also excepted from the specification packaging, shipping paper, and marking requirements specified in § 173.308(c) and (d). Inner packagings must conform to paragraph (c)(1) of this section. Lighters must be further packaged in rigid, strong outer packagings meeting the general packaging requirements of subpart B of part 173. Outer packagings must be plainly and durably marked, on two opposing sides or ends, with the word “LIGHTERS” and the number of devices contained therein in letters measuring at least 20 mm (0.79 in) in height. In addition, the package must include the test report identifier for each lighter design as specified in paragraph (b)(4)(i)(C) of this section or, if applicable, the previously issued approval number ( i.e., T***). The test report identifier or approval number must be durable, legible, in English, and located in, attached to, or marked directly on the package. No person may offer for transportation or transport the lighters or prepare the lighters for shipment unless that person has been specifically informed of the requirements of this section.
(2) Private carriage. For highway transportation by a private carrier, lighters that have been examined and successfully tested in accordance with this section are not subject to any other requirements of this subchapter under the following conditions:
(i) No person may offer for transportation or transport the lighters or prepare the lighters for shipment unless that person has been specifically informed of the requirements of this section;
(ii) Lighters must be placed in an inner packaging that is designed to prevent accidental activation of the ignition device or valve, release of gas, and shifting of the lighters ( e.g., tray, blister pack, etc.);
(iii) Inner packagings must be placed in a securely closed rigid outer packaging that limits shifting of the inner packagings and protects them from damage;
(iv) The outer package may contain not more than 300 lighters;
(v) A transport vehicle may carry not more than 1,500 lighters at any one time;
(vi) The lighters may not be placed in an outer packaging with other hazardous materials; and
(vii) Outer packagings must be plainly and durably marked with the words “LIGHTERS, excepted quantity.”
§ 173.309   Fire extinguishers.
This section applies to portable fire extinguishers for manual handling and operation, fire extinguishers for installation in aircraft, fire extinguishers for installation as part of a fire suppression system, and large fire extinguishers. Fire extinguishers for installation as part of a fire suppression system include cylinders charged with either a compressed gas and an extinguishing agent or a gas which comprises the sole fire extinguishing agent in the system. A fire extinguisher does not include cylinders pressurized with a gas for purposes of expelling a separately stored extinguishing agent in the fire suppression system. Large fire extinguishers include fire extinguishers mounted on wheels for manual handling; fire extinguishing equipment or machinery mounted on wheels or wheeled platforms or units transported similar to (small) trailers; and fire extinguishers composed of a non-rollable pressure drum and equipment, and handled, for example, by fork lift or crane when loaded or unloaded. Cylinders filled with a compressed gas whose purpose is to expel a separately stored extinguishing agent may not be transported under this section when offered for transportation or transported apart from a suppression system.
(a) Specification 3A, 3AA, 3E, 3AL, 4B, 4BA, 4B240ET or 4BW (§§ 178.36, 178.37, 178.42, 178.46, 178.50, 178.51, 178.55 and 178.61 of this subchapter) cylinders are authorized for manufacture and use as fire extinguishers under the following conditions:
(1) Extinguishing agents must be nonflammable, non-poisonous, non-corrosive, and commercially free from corroding components;
(2) Each fire extinguisher must be charged with a nonflammable, non-poisonous, dry gas that has a dew-point at or below minus 46.7 °C (minus 52 °F) at 101 kPa (1 atmosphere) and is free of corroding components, to not more than the service pressure of the cylinder;
(3) A fire extinguisher may not contain more than 30% carbon dioxide by volume or any other corrosive extinguishing agent; and
(4) Each fire extinguisher must be protected externally by suitable corrosion-resisting coating.
(5) Specification 3E and 4BA cylinders must be packed in strong non-bulk outer packagings. The outside of the combination packaging must be marked with an indication that the inner packagings conform to the prescribed specifications.
(b) Specification 2P or 2Q (§§ 178.33 and 178.33a of this subchapter) inner non-refillable metal packagings are authorized as fire extinguishers subject to the following conditions:
(1) Extinguishing agents must be nonflammable, non-poisonous, and non-corrosive as defined in this subchapter;
(2) The liquid portion of the gas plus any additional liquid or solid may not completely fill the packaging at 55 °C (130 °F);
(3) Pressure in the packaging must not exceed 1250 kPa (181 psig) at 55 °C (130 °F). If the pressure exceeds 920 kPa (141 psig) at 55 °C (130 °F), but does not exceed 1100 kPa (160 psig) at 55 °C (130 °F), a specification DOT 2P inner metal packaging must be used; if the pressure exceeds 1100 kPa (160 psig) at 55 °C (130 °F), a specification DOT 2Q inner metal packaging must be used. The metal packaging must be capable of withstanding, without bursting, a pressure of one and one-half times the equilibrium pressure of the contents at 55 °C (130 °F);
(4) Each completed inner packaging filled for shipment must have been heated until the pressure in the container is equivalent to the equilibrium pressure of the contents at 55 °C (130 °F) without evidence of leakage, distortion, or other defect; and
(5) Specification 2P and 2Q cylinders must be packed in strong non-bulk outer packagings. The outside of the combination packaging must be marked with an indication that the inner packagings conform to the prescribed specifications.
(c) Non-specification cylinders are authorized as fire extinguishers subject to the following conditions:
(1) Extinguishing agents must be nonflammable, non-poisonous, and non-corrosive as defined in this subchapter;
(2) The internal volume of each cylinder may not exceed 18 L (1,100 cubic inches). For fire extinguishers not exceeding 900 mL (55 cubic inches) capacity, the liquid portion of the gas plus any additional liquid or solid must not completely fill the container at 55 °C (130  °F). Fire extinguishers exceeding 900 mL (55 cubic inches) capacity may not contain any liquefied compressed gas;
(3) Each fire extinguisher manufactured on and after January 1, 1976, must be designed and fabricated with a burst pressure of not less than six times its charged pressure at 21 °C (70  °F) when shipped;
(4) Each fire extinguisher must be tested, without evidence of failure or damage, to at least three times its charged pressure at 21 °C (70  °F) but not less than 825 kPa (120 psig) before initial shipment, and must be marked to indicate the year of the test (within 90 days of the actual date of the original test) and with the words “MEETS DOT REQUIREMENTS.” This marking is considered a certification that the fire extinguisher is manufactured in accordance with the requirements of this section. The words “This extinguisher meets all requirements of 49 CFR 173.306” may be displayed on fire extinguishers manufactured prior to January 1, 1976;
(5) Each non-specification fire extinguisher must be packaged as an inner packaging within a combination outer packaging. Examples of acceptable outer packagings for non-specification fire extinguishers include large cartons, racks, cages or other suitable enclosures; and
(6) For any subsequent shipment, each fire extinguisher must be in compliance with the retest requirements of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration Regulations of the Department of Labor, 29 CFR 1910.157.
(d) Limited quantities: Fire extinguishers otherwise conforming to paragraph (a), (b), or (c) of this section and are charged with a limited quantity of compressed gas to not more than 1660 kPa (241 psig) at 21 °C (70  °F) are excepted from shipping papers (except when offered for transportation by aircraft or vessel), labeling (except when offered for transportation by aircraft), placarding, the specification packaging requirements of this subchapter, and are eligible for the exceptions provided in § 173.156 when offered for transportation in accordance with this paragraph (d). Limited quantity shipments conforming to this paragraph are not subject to parts 174 and 177 of this subchapter when transported by highway or rail. In addition, limited quantity packages of fire extinguishers are subject to the following conditions, as applicable:
(1) Extinguishing agents must be nonflammable, non-poisonous, and non-corrosive as defined in this subchapter; and
(2) Packages must be marked as specified for limited quantities in § 172.315 of this subchapter.
(e) Large fire extinguishers may be transported while unpackaged under the following conditions:
(1) The requirements of § 173.24(b) are met;
(2) The valves are protected in accordance with § 173.301b(c)(2)(i), (ii), (iii) or (v); and
(3) Other equipment mounted on the fire extinguisher is protected to prevent accidental activation.
§ 173.310   Exceptions for radiation detectors.
Radiation detectors, radiation sensors, electron tube devices, or ionization chambers, herein referred to as “radiation detectors,” that contain only Division 2.2 gases in non-refillable cylinders, are excepted from the specification packaging in this subchapter and, except when transported by air, from labeling and placarding requirements of this subchapter when designed, packaged, and transported as follows:
(a) Radiation detectors must be single-trip, hermetically sealed, welded metal inside containers that will not fragment upon impact.
(b) Radiation detectors must not have a design pressure exceeding 5.00 MPa (725 psig) and a capacity exceeding 405 fluid ounces (731 cubic inches). They must be designed and fabricated with a burst pressure of not less than three times the design pressure if the radiation detector is equipped with a pressure relief device, and not less than four times the design pressure if the detector is not equipped with a pressure relief device.
(c) Radiation detectors must be shipped in a strong outer packaging capable of withstanding a drop test of at least 1.2 meters (4 feet) without breakage of the radiation detector or rupture of the outer packaging. If the radiation detector is shipped as part of other equipment, the equipment must be packaged in strong outer packaging or the equipment itself must provide an equivalent level of protection.
(d) Emergency response information accompanying each shipment and available from each emergency response telephone number for radiation detectors must identify those receptacles that are not fitted with a pressure relief device and provide appropriate guidance for exposure to fire.
(e) Except as provided paragraph (f) of this section, transport in accordance with this section must be noted on the shipping paper.
(f) Radiation detectors, including detectors in radiation detection systems, are not subject to any other requirements of this subchapter, including shipping papers, if the detectors meet the requirements in paragraphs (a) through (d) of this section and the capacity of detector receptacles does not exceed 50 ml (1.7 oz.).
§ 173.311   Metal Hydride Storage Systems.
The following packing instruction is applicable to transportable UN Metal hydride storage systems (UN3468) with pressure receptacles not exceeding 150 liters (40 gallons) in water capacity, and having a maximum developed pressure not exceeding 25 MPa. UN Metal hydride storage systems must be designed, constructed, initially inspected, and tested in accordance with ISO 16111:2018 (IBR, see § 171.7 of this subchapter), consistent with § 178.71(m) of this subchapter. Until December 31, 2026, UN Metal hydride storage systems may instead conform to ISO 16111:2008(E) (IBR, see § 171.7 of this subchapter). Steel pressure receptacles or composite pressure receptacles with steel liners must be marked in accordance with § 173.301b(f), which specifies that a steel UN pressure receptacle displaying an “H” mark must be used for hydrogen-bearing gases or other gases that may cause hydrogen embrittlement. Requalification intervals must be no more than every five years, as specified in § 180.207 of this subchapter, in accordance with the requalification procedures prescribed in ISO 16111:2018 or ISO 16111:2008.
§ 173.312   Requirements for shipment of MEGCs.
(a) General requirements. (1) Unless otherwise specified, a MEGC is authorized for the shipment of liquefied and non-liquefied compressed gases. Each pressure receptacle contained in a MEGC must meet the requirements in §§ 173.301, 173.301b, 173.302b and 173.304b, as applicable.
(2) The MEGC must conform to the design, construction, inspection and testing requirements prescribed in § 178.75 of this subchapter.
(3) No person may offer or accept a hazardous material for transportation in a MEGC that is damaged to such an extent that the integrity of the pressure receptacles or the MEGC's structural or service equipment may be affected.
(4) No person may fill or offer for transportation a pressure receptacle in a MEGC if the pressure receptacle or the MEGC is due for periodic requalification, as prescribed in subpart C to part 180 of this subchapter. However, this restriction does not preclude transportation of pressure receptacles filled and offered for transportation prior to the requalification due date.
(5) Prior to filling and offering a MEGC for transportation, the MEGC's structural and service equipment must be visually inspected. Any unsafe condition must be corrected before the MEGC is offered for transportation. All required markings must be legible.
(6) Except for Division 2.2 permanent gases, each pressure receptacle must be equipped with an individual shutoff valve that must be tightly closed while in transit. For Division 2.1, Division 2.2 liquefied gases and 2.3 gases, the manifold must be designed so that each pressure receptacle can be filled separately and be kept isolated by a valve capable of being closed during transit. For Division 2.1 gases, the pressure receptacles must be isolated by a valve into assemblies of not more than 3,000 L.
(b) Filling. (1) A MEGC may not be filled above its marked maximum permissible gross mass. Additionally, MEGCs must be filled in accordance with the following:
(i) A MEGC being filled with non-liquefied (permanent) compressed gas may not be filled to a pressure greater than the lowest marked working pressure of any cylinder (pressure receptacle).
(ii) An MEGC being filled with a liquefied compressed gas must have each pressure receptacle filled separately by weight and must be filled by a means to ensure that only one pressure receptacle is filled at a time.
(iii) The filling density for UN pressure receptacles may not exceed the values in accordance with § 173.304b(b).
(2) After each filling, the shipper must verify the leakproofness of the closures and equipment. Each fill opening must be closed by a cap or plug.
(c) Damage protection. During transportation, a MEGC must be protected against damage to the pressure receptacles and service equipment resulting from lateral and longitudinal impact and overturning as prescribed in § 178.75 of this subchapter.
§ 173.313   UN Portable Tank Table for Liquefied Compressed Gases and Chemical Under Pressure.
The UN Portable Tank Table for Liquefied Compressed Gases and chemical under pressure is referenced in § 172.102(c)(7)(iii) of this subchapter for portable tanks that are used to transport liquefied compressed gases and chemicals under pressure. The table applies to each liquefied compressed gas and chemical under pressure that is identified with Special Provision T50 in Column (7) of the Hazardous Materials Table in § 172.101. In addition to providing the UN identification number and proper shipping name, the table provides the minimum design pressures, bottom opening requirements, pressure relief device requirements, and degree of filling requirements for liquefied compressed gases and chemicals under pressure permitted for transportation in a T50 portable tank. In the minimum design pressure column, “small” means a portable tank with a diameter of 1.5 meters or less when measured at the widest part of the shell, “sunshield” means a portable tank with a shield covering at least the upper third of the shell, “bare” means no sunshield or insulation is provided, and “insulated” means a complete cladding of sufficient thickness of insulating material necessary to provide a minimum conductance of not more than 0.67 w/m2/k. In the pressure relief requirements column, the word “Normal” denotes that a frangible disc as specified in § 178.276(e)(3) of this subchapter is not required.
UN Portable Tank Table for Liquefied Compressed Gases and Chemicals Under Pressure
§ 173.314   Compressed gases in tank cars and multi-unit tank cars.
(a) Definitions. For definitions of compressed gases, see § 173.115.
(b) General requirements. (1) Tank car tanks containing compressed gases must not be shipped unless they were loaded by or with the consent of the owner thereof.
(2) Tank car tanks must not contain gases capable of combining chemically and must not be loaded with any gas which combines chemically with the gas previously loaded therein, until all residue has been removed and interior of tank thoroughly cleaned.
(3) For tanks of the DOT-106A and 110A class, the tanks must be placed in position and attached to car structure by the shipper.
(4) Wherever the word “approved” is used in this part of the regulations, it means approval by the Association of American Railroads Committee on Tank Cars as prescribed in § 179.3 of this subchapter.
(5) Each tank car used for the transportation of anhydrous ammonia or any material that meets the criteria of Division 2.1 or 2.3 must have gaskets for manway cover plates and for mounting of fittings designed (for temperature, application, media, pressure, and size) to create a positive seal so that, under conditions normally incident to transportation, there will not be an identifiable release of the material to the environment. The use of sealants to install gaskets is prohibited.
(c) Authorized gases, filling limits for tank cars. A compressed gas in a tank car or a multi-unit tank car must be offered for transportation in accordance with § 173.31 and this section. The gases listed below must be loaded and offered for transportation in accordance with the following table:
Table 1 to Paragraph (c)
Notes to table 1 to paragraph (c):
1. The filling density percentage for liquefied gases is hereby defined as the percent ratio of the mass of gas in the tank to the mass of water that the tank will hold. For determining the water capacity of the tank in kilograms, the mass of 1 L of water at 15.5 °C in air is 1 kg (the mass of one gallon of water at 60 °F in air is 8.32828 pounds).
2. The liquefied gas must be loaded so that the outage is at least two percent of the total capacity of the tank at the reference temperature of 46 °C (115 °F) for a non-insulated tank; 43 °C (110 °F) for a tank having a thermal protection system incorporating a metal jacket that provides an overall thermal conductance at 15.5 °C (60 °F) of no more than 10.22 kilojoules per hour—per square meter—per degree Celsius (0.5 Btu per hour/per square foot/per degree F) temperature differential; and 41 °C (105 °F) for an insulated tank having an insulation system incorporating a metal jacket that provides an overall thermal conductance at 15.5 deg;C (60 °F) of no more than 1.5333 kilojoules per hour—per square meter—per degree Celsius (0.075 Btu per hour/per square foot/per degree F) temperature differential.
3. The requirements of § 173.24b(a) apply.
4. The gas pressure at 54.44 °C (130 °F) in any non-insulated tank car may not exceed 7/10 of the marked test pressure, except that a tank may be charged with helium to a pressure of 10 percent in excess of the marked maximum gas pressure at 54.44 °C (130 °F) of each tank.
5. The liquid portion of the gas at −17.77 °C (0 °F) must not completely fill the tank.
6. The maximum permitted filling density is 125 percent. The quantity of chlorine loaded into a single unit-tank car may not be loaded in excess of the normal lading weights nor in excess of 81.65 Mg (90 tons).
7. 89 percent maximum to 80.1 percent minimum at a test pressure of 6.2 bar (90 psig).
8. 59.6 percent maximum to 53.6 percent minimum at a test pressure of 7.2 bar (105 psig).
9. For a liquefied petroleum gas, the liquefied gas must be loaded so that the outage is at least one percent of the total capacity of the tank at the reference temperature of 46 °C (115 °F) for a non-insulated tank; 43 °C (110 °F) for a tank having a thermal protection system incorporating a metal jacket that provides an overall thermal conductance at 15.5 °C (60 °F) of no more than 10.22 kilojoules per hour—per square meter—per degree Celsius (0.5 Btu per hour/per square foot/per degree F) temperature differential; and 41 °C (105 °F) for an insulated tank having an insulation system incorporating a metal jacket that provides an overall thermal conductance at 15.5 °C (60 °F) of no more than 1.5333 kilojoules per hour—per square meter—per degree Celsius (0.075 Btu per hour/per square foot/per degree F) temperature differential.
10. For liquefied petroleum gas and anhydrous ammonia, during the months of November through March (winter), the following reference temperatures may be used: 38 °C (100 °F) for a non-insulated tank; 32 °C (90 °F) for a tank having a thermal protection system incorporating a metal jacket that provides an overall thermal conductance at 15.5 °C (60 °F) of no more than 10.22 kilojoules per hour—per square meter—per degree Celsius (0.5 Btu per hour/per square foot/per degree F) temperature differential; and 29 °C (85 °F) for an insulated tank having an insulation system incorporating a metal jacket and insulation that provides an overall thermal conductance at 15.5 °C (60 °F) of no more than 1.5333 kilojoules per hour—per square meter—per degree Celsius (0.075 Btu per hour/per square foot/per degree F) temperature differential. The winter reference temperatures may only be used for a tank car shipped directly to a consumer for unloading and not stored in transit. The offeror of the tank must inform each customer that the tank car was filled based on winter reference temperatures. The tank must be unloaded as soon as possible after March in order to retain the specified outage and to prevent a release of hazardous material, which might occur due to the tank car becoming liquid full at higher temperatures.
11. For materials poisonous by inhalation, until December 31, 2027, the single unit tank car tanks authorized are only those cars approved by the Tank Car Committee for transportation of the specified material and built prior to March 16, 2009. After December 31, 2027, all single unit tank cars used in PIH/TIH service must meet the requirements of Note 12.
12. Except as provided in paragraph (d) of this section, for materials poisonous by inhalation, fusion-welded tank car tanks built on or after March 16, 2009, used for the transportation of the PIH materials noted, must meet the applicable authorized tank car specification and must be equipped with a head shield as prescribed in § 179.16(c)(1).
(d) Alternative tank car tanks for materials poisonous by inhalation. (1) As an alternative to the authorized tank car specification noted in the column 4 of the table in paragraph (c) of this section, a car of the same authorized tank car specification but of the next lower test pressure, as prescribed in column 5 of the table at § 179.101-1, may be used provided both of the following conditions are met:
(i) The difference between the alternative and the required minimum plate thicknesses, based on the calculation prescribed in § 179.100-6 of this subchapter, is added to the alternative tank car jacket and head shield. When the jacket and head shield are made from any authorized steel with a minimum tensile strength from 70,000 p.s.i. to 80,000 p.s.i., but the required minimum plate thickness calculation is based on steel with a minimum tensile strength of 81,000 p.s.i., the thickness to be added to the jacket and head shield must be increased by a factor of 1.157. Forming allowances for heads are not required to be considered when calculating thickness differences as prescribed in this paragraph.
(ii) The tank car jacket and head shield must be manufactured from carbon steel plate as prescribed in § 179.100-7(a) of this subchapter.
(e) Verification of content. (1) The amount of liquefied gas loaded into each tank may be determined either by measurement or calculation of the weight, except that DOT specification tank car tanks authorized for the transportation of anhydrous ammonia and ammonia solution may have the amount of liquefied gas loaded into the tank car measured by a metering device in conformance with paragraph (e)(2) of this section.
(2) Metering device. (i) Tank cars loaded with anhydrous ammonia or ammonia solution through the use of a metering device in conformance with this section are not required to be weighed, but must have their outage measured with a magnetic gauging device to determine that the tank car is properly loaded in conformance with this paragraph. Written procedures for loading a tank car using a metering device must be developed and made available at each location where such loading takes place. Certification in writing of the inspection and completion of these loading and/or unloading procedures must be maintained for each tank car and maintained in accordance with the recordkeeping requirements in paragraph (e)(2)(iii) of this section, and all necessary records must be completed. At a minimum, these procedures will specify:
(A) The tank car must be offered for transportation in conformance with all applicable government regulations.
(B) Any defects found when the tank car is examined before shipping must be recorded, and the tank must not be loaded until the repairs to eliminate each defect are completed.
(C) The tank car must be allowed to sit undisturbed for at least 10 minutes after loading to allow material within the tank to settle. After this has occurred a final check for leaks must be conducted prior to offering the tank car for transportation.
(ii) One out of every 10 tank cars loaded by the use of the metering device must be gauged utilizing the fixed gauging equipment on the tank car to verify by calculation the amount of anhydrous ammonia or ammonia solution contained in the tank car.
(iii) Recordkeeping. The following information must be maintained and be made available to any representative of the DOT upon request for each tank car loaded with the use of a metering device:
(A) Date loaded,
(B) Date shipped,
(C) Tank car reporting marks,
(D) DOT Specification,
(E) Tank car stenciled shell capacity (gallons/liters),
(F) Tank car stenciled tare weight (pounds/kilograms),
(G) Outage or innage table number,
(H) Water capacity of tank in pounds and/or kilograms,
(I) Maximum permitted filling density (see § 173.314),
(J) Specific gravity of anhydrous ammonia or ammonia solution at the reference temperature,
(K) Tank car outage (inches/meters, gallons/liters),
(L) Gallons/liters of liquid ammonia in tank car,
(M) Quantity of vapor ammonia in tank car (gallons/liters), and
(N) Total calculated ammonia (liquid & vapor) in tank car (pounds/kilograms).
(f) [Reserved]
(g) Special requirements for hydrogen chloride, refrigerated liquid, and vinyl fluoride,stabilized.
(1) The shipper shall notify the Federal Railroad Administration whenever a tank car is not received by the consignee within 20 days from the date of shipment. Notification to the Federal Railroad Administration may be made by e-mail to Hmassist@fra.dot.gov or telephone call to (202) 493-6229.
(2) A tank car containing hydrogen chloride, refrigerated liquid must have the auxiliary valve on the pressure relief device closed during transportation.
(3) See § 179.102-17 of this subchapter for additional requirements.
(4) Tank cars containing hydrogen chloride, refrigerated liquid, must be unloaded to such an extent that any residue remaining in the tank at a reference temperature of 32 °C (90 °F) will not actuate the reclosing pressure relief device.
(h) Special requirements for liquefied petroleum gas —(1) Odorization. All liquefied petroleum gas must be odorized as required in this paragraph to indicate positively, by a distinctive odor, the presence of gas down to a concentration in air of not over one-fifth the lower limit of combustibility; however, odorization is not required if it is harmful in the use or further processing of the liquefied petroleum gas or if it will serve no useful purpose as a warning agent in such use or further processing.
(i) The lower limits of combustibility of the more commonly used liquefied petroleum gases are: Propane, 2.15 percent; butane, 1.55 percent. These figures represent volumetric percentages of gas-air mixtures in each case.
(ii) The use of 1.0 pound of ethyl mercaptan per 10,000 gallons of liquefied petroleum gas is considered sufficient to meet the requirements of this paragraph. Use of another odorant is not prohibited so long as there is enough to meet the requirements of this paragraph (h).
(2) Odorant fade. In addition to paragraph (h)(1)(i) of this section, the offeror must ensure that enough odorant will remain in the tank car during the course of transportation. The offeror must have procedures in place to:
(i) Ensure quantitative testing methods are used to measure the amount of odorant in the liquefied petroleum gas;
(ii) Ensure that, when the odorization of liquefied petroleum gas is manually injected, the required amount of odorant is added;
(iii) Ensure that, when odorization of liquefied petroleum gas is automatically injected, equipment calibration checks are conducted to ensure the required amount of odorant is consistently added;
(iv) Ensure quality control measures are in place to make sure that persons who receive tank cars that have been subjected to any condition that could lead to corrosion of the tank car or receive new or recently cleaned tank cars are notified of this information and that a person filling these packagings implement quality control measures so that potential odorant fade is addressed;
(v) Inspect a tank car for signs of oxidation or corrosion; and
(vi) Take corrective action needed to ensure enough odorization remains in the tank car during the course of transportation, such as increasing the amount of odorant added to the liquefied petroleum gas.
(i) [Reserved]
(j) Special requirements for materials having a primary or secondary Division 2.1 (flammable gas) hazard. For single unit tank cars, interior pipes of loading and unloading valves, sampling devices, and gauging devices with an opening for the passage of the lading exceeding 1.52 mm (0.060 inch) diameter must be equipped with excess flow valves. For single unit tank cars constructed before January 1, 1972, gauging devices must conform to this paragraph by no later than July 1, 2006. The protective housing cover must be provided with an opening, with a weatherproof cover, above each pressure relief valve that is concentric with the discharge of the pressure relief valve and that has an area at least equal to the valve outlet area. Class DOT 109 tank cars and tank cars manufactured from aluminum or nickel plate are not authorized.
(k) Special requirements for chlorine. (1) Tank cars built after September 30, 1991, must have an insulation system consisting of 5.08 cm (2 inches) glass fiber placed over 5.08 cm (2 inches) of ceramic fiber. Tank cars must have excess flow valves on the interior pipes of liquid discharge valves. Tank cars constructed to a DOT 105A500W specification may be marked as a DOT 105A300W specification with the size and type of reclosing pressure relief valves required by the marked specification.
(2) DOT105J500W tank cars may be used as authorized packagings, as prescribed in this subchapter for transporting “UN 1017, Chlorine, 2.3 (8), Poison Inhalation Hazard, Zone B, RQ,” if the tank cars meet all DOT specification requirements, and the tank cars are equipped with combination safety relief valves with a start-to-discharge pressure of 360 psi, rather than the 356 psi. The start-to-discharge pressure setting must be marked on the pressure relief device in conformance with applicable provisions of the AAR Specification for Tank Cars (IBR, see § 171.7 of this subchapter).
(l) Special requirements for hydrogen sulphide. Each multi-unit tank car must be equipped with adequate pressure relief devices of the fusible plug type having a yield temperature not over 76.66 °C (170 °F.), and not less than 69.44 °C (157 °F.). Each device must be resistant to extrusion of the fusible alloy and leak tight at 55 °C (130 °F.). A threaded solid plug must seal each valve outlet. In addition, a metal cover must protect all valves.
(m) Special requirements for nitrosyl chloride. Single unit tank cars and their associated service equipment, such as venting, loading and unloading valves, and reclosing pressure relief valves, must be made of metal or clad with a material that is not subject to rapid deterioration by the lading. Multi-unit tank car tanks must be nickel-clad and have reclosing pressure relief devices incorporating a fusible plug having a yield temperature of 79.44 °C (175 °F.). Reclosing pressure relief devices must be vapor tight at 54.44 °C (130 °F.).
(n) Special requirements for hydrogen. Each tank car must be equipped with one or more pressure relief devices. The discharge outlet for each pressure relief device must be connected to a manifold having a non-obstructed discharge area of at least 1.5 times the total discharge area of the pressure relief devices connected to the manifold. All manifolds must be connected to a single common header having a non-obstructed discharge pointing upward and extending above the top of the car. The header and the header outlet must each have a non-obstructed discharge area at least equal to the total discharge area of the manifolds connected to the header. The header outlet must be equipped with an ignition device that will instantly ignite any hydrogen discharged through the pressure relief device.
(o) Special requirements for carbon dioxide, refrigerated liquid and nitrous oxide, refrigerated liquid. Each tank car must have an insulation system so that the thermal conductance is not more than 0.613 kilojoules per hour, per square meter, per degree Celsius (0.03 B.t.u. per square foot per hour, per degree Fahrenheit) temperature differential. Each tank car must be equipped with one reclosing pressure relief valve having a start-to-discharge pressure not to exceed 75 percent of the tank test pressure and one non-reclosing pressure relief valve having a rupture disc design to burst at a pressure less than the tank test pressure. The discharge capacity of each pressure relief device must be sufficient to prevent building up of pressure in the tank in excess of 82.5 percent of the test pressure of the tank. Tanks must be equipped with two regulating valves set to open at a pressure not to exceed 24.1 Bar (350 psi) on DOT 105A500W tanks and at a pressure not to exceed 27.6 Bar (400 psi) on DOT 105A600W tanks. Each regulating valve and pressure relief device must have its final discharge piped to the outside of the protective housing.
§ 173.315   Compressed gases in cargo tanks and portable tanks.
(a) Liquefied compressed gases that are transported in UN portable tanks, DOT specification portable tanks, or cargo tanks must be prepared in accordance with this section, § 173.32, § 173.33 and subpart E or subpart G of part 180 of this subchapter, as applicable. For cryogenic liquid in cargo tanks, see § 173.318. For marking requirements for portable tanks and cargo tanks, see § 172.326 and § 172.328 of this subchapter, as applicable.
(1) UN portable tanks: UN portable tanks must be loaded and offered for transportation in accordance with portable tank provision T50 in § 172.102 of this subchapter.
(2) Cargo tanks and DOT specification portable tanks: Cargo tanks and DOT specification portable tanks must be loaded and offered for transportation in accordance with the following table (for purposes of the following table, a column entry with “do” indicates “same as above”):
Note 1: Maximum filling density for liquefied gases is hereby defined as the percent ratio of the weight of gas in the tank to the weight of water that the tank will hold. For determining the water capacity of the tank in pounds, the weight of a gallon (231 cubic inches) of water at 60 °F. in air shall be 8.32828 pounds.
Note 2: See § 173.32 for authority to use other portable tanks and for manifolding cargo tanks, see paragraph (q) of this section. Specifications MC 330 cargo tanks may be painted as specified for MC 331 cargo tanks.
Note 3: If cargo tanks and portable tank containers for carbon dioxide, refrigerated liquid, and nitrous oxide, refrigerated liquid, are designed to conform to the requirements in Section VIII of the ASME Code for low temperature operation (IBR, see § 171.7 of this subchapter), the design pressure may be reduced to 100 psig or the controlled pressure, whichever is greater.
Note 4: Material must be steel. Packagings must have a corrosion allowance of 20 percent or 0.10 inch, whichever is less, added to the metal thickness. The minimum wall thickness for chlorine packagings is 0.300 inch for stainless steel or 0.625 inch for carbon steel, including corrosion allowance.
Note 5: Unlagged cargo tanks and portable tank containers for liquid anhydrous ammonia may be filled to 87.5 percent by volume provided the temperature of the anhydrous ammonia being loaded into such tanks is determined to be not lower than 30 °F. or provided the filling of such tanks is stopped at the first indication of frost or ice formation on the outside surface of the tank and is not resumed until such frost or ice has disappeared.
Note 6: Tanks equipped with fusible plugs must be filled by weight.
Note 7: Tanks must be filled by weight.
Note 8: Chlorine packagings may be shipped only if the contents are to be unloaded at one unloading point.
Note 9: This gas may be transported in authorized cargo tanks and portable tanks marked “ dispersant gas ,” or “ refrigerant gas. ”
Note 10: [Reserved]
Note 11: MC-330, MC-331 and MC-338 cargo tanks must be insulated. Cargo tanks must meet all the following requirements. Each tank must have a design service temperature of minus 100 °F., or no warmer than the boiling point at one atmosphere of the hazardous material to be shipped therein, whichever is colder, and must conform to the low-temperature requirements in Section VIII of the ASME Code. When the normal travel time is 24 hours or less, the tank's holding time as loaded must be at least twice the normal travel time. When the normal travel time exceeds 24 hours, the tank's holding time as loaded must be at least 24 hours greater than the normal travel time. The holding time is the elapsed time from loading until venting occurs under equilibrium conditions. The cargo tank must have an outer jacket made of steel when the cargo tank is used to transport a flammable gas.
Note 12: No aluminum, copper, silver, zinc or an alloy of any of these metals shall be used in packaging construction where it comes into contact with the lading.
Note 13: All parts of valves and safety devices in contact with contents of tank must be of a metal or other material suitably treated if necessary, which will not cause formation of any acetylides.
Note 14: Specifications MC 330 and MC 331 cargo tanks constructed of other than quenched and tempered steel “(NQT)” are authorized for all grades of anhydrous ammonia. Specifications MC 330 and MC 331 cargo tanks constructed of quenched and tempered steel “(QT)” (see marking requirements of § 172.328(c) of this subchapter) are authorized for anhydrous ammonia having a minimum water content of 0.2 percent by weight. Any tank being placed in anhydrous ammonia service or a tank which has been in other service or has been opened for inspection, test, or repair, must be cleaned of the previous product and must be purged of air before loading. See § 172.203(h) of this subchapter for special shipping paper requirements.
Note 15: Specifications MC 330 and MC 331 cargo tanks constructed of other than quenched and tempered steel (NQT) are authorized for all grades of liquefied petroleum gases. Only grades of liquefied petroleum gases determined to be “noncorrosive” are authorized in Specification MC 330 and MC 331 cargo tanks constructed of quenched and tempered steel (QT). “Noncorrosive” means the corrosiveness of the gas does not exceed the limitations for classification 1 of the ASTM Copper Strip Classifications when tested in accordance with ASTM D 1838, “Copper Strip Corrosion by Liquefied Petroleum (LP) Gases” (IBR, see § 171.7 of this subchapter). (For (QT) and (NQT) marking requirements, see § 172.328(c) of this subchapter. For special shipping paper requirements, see § 172.203(h) of this subchapter.)
Note 16: Openings, inlets, and outlets on MC 330 and MC 331 cargo tanks must conform to § 178.337-8(a) of this subchapter. MC 330 and MC 331 cargo tanks must be equipped with emergency discharge control equipment as specified in § 178.337-11(a) of this subchapter.
Note 17: A Specification MC-330 or MC-331 cargo tank or a nonspecification cargo tank meeting, and marked in conformance with, the edition of the ASME Code in effect when it was fabricated, may be used for the transportation of anhydrous ammonia if it:
(1) Has a minimum design pressure not lower than 250 psig;
(2) Was manufactured in conformance with the ASME Code prior to January 1, 1981, according to its ASME name plate and manufacturer's data report;
(3) Is painted white or aluminum;
(4) Complies with Note 12 of this paragraph;
(5) Has been inspected and tested in accordance with subpart E of part 180 of this subchapter as specified for MC 331 cargo tanks.
(6) Was used to transport anhydrous ammonia prior to January 1, 1981;
(7) Is operated exclusively in intrastate commerce (including its operation by a motor carrier otherwise engaged in interstate commerce) in a state where its operation was permitted by the laws of that State (not including the incorporation of this subchapter) prior to January 1, 1981; and
(8) Is operated in conformance with all other requirements of this subchapter.
Note 18: The minimum packaging design pressure must not be less than the vapor pressure at the reference temperature of the lading plus one percent or 173.4 kPa (25 psig), whichever is less.
Note 19: The minimum packaging design pressure must not be less than the vapor pressure at the reference temperature of the lading.
Note 20: The minimum packaging design pressure must not be less than 1.5 times the vapor pressure of the lading at 46 °C (115 °F).
Note 21: The minimum packaging design pressure must not be less than 1.3 times the vapor pressure of the lading at 46 °C (115 °F).
Note 22: The minimum packaging design pressure must not be less than 1.1 times the vapor pressure of the lading at 46 °C (115 °F).
Note 23: Packagings must be made of stainless steel except that steel other than stainless steel may be used in accordance with the provisions of § 173.24b(b) of this part. Thickness of stainless steel for shell and heads must be the greater of 7.62 mm (0.300 inch) or the thickness required for the packaging at its minimum design pressure.
Note 24: Packagings must be made of stainless steel except that steel other than stainless steel may be used in accordance with the provisions of § 173.24b(b) of this part. Thickness of stainless steel for shell and heads must be the greater of 6.35 mm (0.250 inch) or the thickness required for the packaging at its minimum design pressure. For sulphur dioxide, this Note does not apply until October 1, 1994.
Note 25: Packagings must be made of stainless steel except that steel other than stainless steel may be used in accordance with the provisions of § 173.24b(b) of this part. Thickness for shell and heads must be as calculated for the packaging at its minimum design pressure.
Note 26: Non-specification cargo tanks may be used for the transportation of liquefied petroleum gas, subject to the conditions prescribed in paragraph (k) of this section.
Note 27: Non-specification cargo tanks may be used for transportation of Ammonia, anhydrous and ammonia solutions with greater than 50% ammonia, subject to the conditions prescribed in paragraph (m) of this section.
Note 28: For UN1080, Sulfur hexafluoride, a non-specification cargo tank that otherwise conforms to a DOT Specification MC 331 cargo tank except for design pressure and capacity is authorized. Design pressure may not exceed 600 psig. The water capacity range for each tank is 15 to 500 gallons.
(b) Maximum permitted filling densities for cargo and portable tank containers for transportation of butadiene, stabilized, and liquefied petroleum gas are as follows:
Note 1: Filling is permitted by volume provided the same filling density is used as permitted by weight, except when using fixed length dip tube or other fixed maximum liquid level indicators (paragraph (f) of this section), in which case the maximum permitted filling density shall not exceed 97 percent of the maximum permitted filling density by weight contained in the table.
(1) Odorization. All liquefied petroleum gas must be odorized as required in this paragraph to indicate positively, by a distinctive odor, the presence of gas down to a concentration in air of not over one-fifth the lower limit of combustibility; however, odorization is not required if it is harmful in the use or further processing of the liquefied petroleum gas or if it will serve no useful purpose as a warning agent in such use or further processing.
(i) The lower limits of combustibility of the more commonly used liquefied petroleum gases are: Propane, 2.15 percent; butane, 1.55 percent. These figures represent volumetric percentages of gas-air mixtures in each case.
(ii) The use of 1.0 pound of ethyl mercaptan per 10,000 gallons of liquefied petroleum gas is considered sufficient to meet the requirements of this paragraph (b). Use of any other odorant is not prohibited so long as there is enough to meet the requirements of this paragraph.
(2) Odorant fade. For cargo tanks or portable tanks being transported from a refinery, gas plant or pipeline terminal and in addition to paragraph (b)(1)(i) of this section, the offeror must ensure that enough odorant will remain in the cargo tank or portable tank during the course of transportation. The offeror must have procedures in place to:
(i) Ensure quantitative testing methods are used to measure the amount of odorant in the liquefied petroleum gas;
(ii) Ensure that, when the odorization of liquefied petroleum gas is manually injected, the required amount of odorant is being added;
(iii) Ensure that, when odorization of liquefied petroleum gas is automatically injected, equipment calibration checks are conducted to ensure the required amount of odorant is consistently added;
(iv) Ensure that quality control measures are in place to make sure that persons who receive cargo tanks or portable tanks that have been subjected to any condition that could lead to corrosion of the packaging or receive new or recently cleaned cargo tanks or portable tanks are notified of this information and that a person filling these packagings implement quality control measures to ensure that potential odorant fade is addressed;
(v) Inspect a cargo tank or portable tank for signs of oxidation or corrosion; and
(vi) Take corrective action needed to ensure enough odorant remains in the cargo tank or portable tank during the course of transportation, such as increasing the amount of odorant added to the liquefied petroleum gas.
(c) Except as otherwise provided, the loading of a liquefied gas into a cargo tank or portable tank shall be determined by weight or by a suitable liquid level gauging device. The vapor pressure (psig) at 115 °F. must not exceed the design pressure of the cargo tank or portable tank container. The outage and filling limits for liquefied gases must be as prescribed in § 173.24b of this part, except that this requirement does not apply to:
(1) A tank containing carbon dioxide, refrigerated liquid or nitrous oxide, refrigerated liquid. Such tank is required to be equipped with suitable pressure control valves and may not be filled to a level exceeding 95 percent of the volumetric capacity of the tank.
(2) A tank containing ethane, refrigerated liquid; ethane-propane mixture, refrigerated liquid; or hydrogen chloride, refrigerated liquid. Such tank must be filled to allow at least two percent outage below the inlet of the pressure relief valve or pressure control valve under conditions of incipient opening, with the tank in a level attitude.
(d) If the loading of cargo tanks and portable tank containers with liquefied gases is to be determined by weight, the gross weight shall be checked after the filling line is disconnected in each instance. The gross weight shall be calculated from the tank capacity and tare weight set forth on the metal plate required by the specification, and the maximum filling density permitted for the material being loaded into the tank as set forth in the table, paragraph (a) of this section.
(e) If the loading of cargo tanks and portable tank containers with liquefied gases is to be determined by adjustable liquid level device, each tank and each compartment thereof shall have a thermometer well, so that the internal liquid temperature can easily be determined, and the amount of liquid in the tank shall be corrected to a 60 °F. basis. Liquid levels shall not exceed a level corresponding to the maximum filling density permitted for the material being loaded into the tank as set forth in the table in paragraph (a) of this section.
(f) When the loading of cargo tanks and portable tank containers with liquefied gases is determined only by fixed length dip tube or other fixed maximum liquid level indicator, the device shall be arranged to function at a level not to exceed the maximum permitted volume prescribed by the table, paragraph (a) of this section. Loading shall be stopped when the device functions.
(g) Containers, the liquid level of which has been determined by means of a fixed length dip tube gauging device, shall not be acceptable for stowage as cargo on vessels in commerce subject to the jurisdiction of the United States Coast Guard. Nothing contained in this section shall be so construed as to prohibit the transportation on car floats or car ferries of motor vehicles laden with containers nor cargo tanks the liquid level of either of which has been determined by means of fixed length dip tube devices.
(h) Each cargo tank and portable tank, except a tank filled by weight, must be equipped with one or more of the gauging devices described in the following table which indicate accurately the maximum permitted liquid level (for purposes of the following table, a column entry with “do” indicates “same as above”). Additional gauging devices may be installed but may not be used as primary controls for filling of cargo tanks and portable tanks. Gauge glasses are not permitted on any cargo tank or portable tank. Primary gauging devices used on cargo tanks of less than 3500 gallons water capacity are exempt from the longitudinal location requirements specified in paragraphs (h)(2) and (3) of this section provided: The tank length does not exceed three times the tank diameter; and the cargo tank is unloaded within 24 hours after each filling of the tank.
(1) The design pressure of the liquid level gauging devices shall be at least equal to the design pressure of the tank.
(2) If the primary gauging device is adjustable, it must be capable of adjustment so that the end of the tube will be in the location specified in paragraph (h)(3) of this section for at least one of the ladings to be transported, at the filling level corresponding to an average loading temperature. Exterior means must be provided to indicate this adjustment. The gauging device must be legibly and permanently marked in increments not exceeding 20 Fahrenheit degrees (or not exceeding 25 p.s.i.g. on tanks for carbon dioxide, refrigerated liquid or nitrous oxide, refrigerated liquid), to indicate the maximum levels to which the tank may be filled with liquid at temperatures above 20 °F. However, if it is not practicable to so mark the gauging device, this information must be legibly and permanently marked on a plate affixed to the tank adjacent to the gauging device.
(3) A dip tube gauging device consists of a pipe or tube with a valve at its outer end with its intake limited by an orifice not larger than 0.060 inch in diameter. If a fixed length dip tube is used, the intake must be located midway of the tank both longitudinally and laterally and at maximum permitted filling level. In tanks for liquefied petroleum gases, the intake must be located at the level reached by the lading when the tank is loaded to maximum filling density at 40 °F.
(4) Except on a tank used exclusively for the transportation of carbon dioxide, refrigerated liquid or nitrous oxide, refrigerated liquid, each opening for a pressure gauge must be restricted at or inside the tank by an orifice no larger than 0.060 inch in diameter. For carbon dioxide, refrigerated liquid or nitrous oxide, refrigerated liquid service, the pressure gauge need only be used during the filling operation.
(i) Each tank must be provided with one or more pressure relief devices which, unless otherwise specified in this part, must be of the spring-loaded type. Each valve must be arranged to discharge upward and unobstructed to the outside of the protective housing to prevent any impingement of escaping gas upon the tank. For each chlorine tank the protective housing must be in compliance with the requirements set forth in the applicable specification.
(1) The safety relief valves on each tank must meet the following conditions:
(i) The total relieving capacity, as determined by the flow formulas contained in Section 5 of CGA S-1.2 (IBR, see § 171.7 of this subchapter), must be sufficient to prevent a maximum pressure in the tank of more than 120 percent of the design pressure;
(ii) The flow capacity rating, testing and marking must be in accordance with Sections 5, 6 and 7 of CGA Pamphlet S-1.2.
(iii) For an insulated tank, the required relieving capacity of the relief devices must be the same as for an uninsulated tank, unless the insulation will remain in place and will be effective under fire conditions. In this case, except for UN portable tanks, each insulated tank must be covered by a sheet metal jacket of not less than 16 gauge thickness. For UN portable tanks where the relieving capacity of the valves has been reduced on the basis of the insulation system, the insulation system must remain effective at all temperatures less than 649 °C (1200.2 °F) and be jacketed with a material having a melting point of 700 °C (1292.0 °F) or greater.
(iv) An MC 330 cargo tank that has relief valves sized by Fetterly's formula dated November 27, 1928, may be continued in service.
(2) Each safety relief valve must be arranged to minimize the possibility of tampering. If the pressure setting or adjustment is external to the valve, the safety relief valve must be provided with means for sealing the adjustment and it must be sealed.
(3) Each safety relief valve on a portable tank, other than a UN portable tank, must be set to start-to-discharge at pressure no higher than 110% of the tank design pressure and no lower than the design pressure specified in paragraph (a) of this section for the gas transported. For UN portable tanks used for liquefied compressed gases and constructed in accordance with the requirements of § 178.276 of this subchapter, the pressure relief device(s) must conform to § 178.276(e) of this subchapter.
(4) Except for UN portable tanks, each safety relief valve must be plainly and permanently marked with the pressure in p.s.i.g. at which it is set to discharge, with the actual rate of discharge of the device in cubic feet per minute of the gas or of air at 60 °F (15.6 °C) and 14.7 p.s.i.a., and with the manufacturer's name or trade name and catalog number. The start-to-discharge valve marking must be visible after the valve is installed. The rated discharge capacity of the device must be determined at a pressure of 120% of the design pressure of the tank. For UN portable tanks, each pressure relief device must be clearly and permanently marked as specified in § 178.274(f)(1) of this subchapter.
(5) Each safety relief valve must have direct communication with the vapor space in the tank.
(6) Each connection to a safety relief valve must be of sufficient size to provide the required rate of discharge through the safety relief valve.
(7) [Reserved]
(8) Each pressure relief valve outlet must be provided with a protective device to prevent the entrance and accumulation of dirt and water. This device must not impede flow through the valve. Pressure relief devices must be designed to prevent the entry of foreign matter, the leakage of liquid and the development of any dangerous excess pressure.
(9) On tanks for carbon dioxide, refrigerated liquid or nitrous oxide, refrigerated liquid each safety relief device must be installed and located so that the cooling effect of the contents will not prevent the effective operation of the device. In addition to the required safety relief valves, these tanks may be equipped with one or more pressure controlling devices.
(10) Each tank for carbon dioxide, refrigerated liquid also may be equipped with one or more non-reclosing pressure relief devices set to function at a pressure not over two times nor less than 1.5 times the design pressure of the tank.
(11) Each portion of connected liquid piping or hose that can be closed at both ends must be provided with a safety relief valve without an intervening shut-off valve to prevent excessive hydrostatic pressure that could burst the piping or hose.
(12) Subject to conditions of paragraph (a) of this section for the methyl chloride and sulfur dioxide optional portable tanks, one or more fusible plugs examined by the Bureau of Explosives and approved by the Associate Administrator may be used on these tanks in place of safety relief valves of the spring-loaded type. The fusible plug or plugs must be in accordance with CGA Pamphlet S-1.2, to prevent a pressure rise in the tank of more than 120 percent of the design pressure. If the tank is over 30 inches long, each end must have the total specified safety discharge area.
(13) A safety relief valve on a chlorine cargo tank must conform to one of the following standards of The Chlorine Institute, Inc.: Type 1 1/2 JQ225, Dwg. H51970 (IBR, see § 171.7 of this subchapter); or Type 1 1/2 JQ225, Dwg. H50155 (IBR, see § 171.7 of this subchapter).
(j) Consumer storage containers. (1) Storage containers for liquefied petroleum gas or propane charged to five percent of their capacity or less and intended for permanent installation on consumer premises may be shipped by private motor carrier under the following conditions:
(i) Each container must be constructed in compliance with the requirements in Section VIII of the ASME Code (IBR, see § 171.7 of this subchapter) and must be marked to indicate compliance in the manner specified by the respective Code. Containers built in compliance with earlier editions starting with 1943 are authorized.
(ii) Each container must be equipped with safety devices in compliance with the requirements for safety devices on containers as specified in NFPA 58, Liquefied Petroleum Gas Code (IBR, see § 171.7 of this subchapter).
(iii) The containers must be braced or otherwise secured on the vehicle to prevent relative motion while in transit. Valves or other fittings must be adequately protected against damage during transportation. (See § 177.834(a) of this subchapter).
(iv) Storage containers of less than 1,042 pounds water capacity (125 gallons) may be shipped when charged with liquefied petroleum gas in compliance with DOT filling density.
(2) Storage containers with a water capacity not exceeding 500 gallons charged with liquefied petroleum gas to more than five percent of their capacity and intended for permanent installation on consumer premises may be transported by private motor carrier one-way only from the consumer's premises to the container owner's nearest facility under the following conditions:
(i) Each container must be constructed in compliance with the requirements in Section VIII of the ASME Code and must be marked to indicate compliance in the manner specified by the respective Code.
(ii) Maximum permitted filling density may not exceed that specified in paragraph (b) of this section.
(iii) Prior to loading on a motor vehicle, the container must be inspected by a trained and qualified person for leaks, corroded or abraded areas, dents, distortions, weld defects, or other condition that may render the container unsafe for transportation. A record of the inspection must be legibly signed and dated by the person performing the inspection and retained by the container owner for two years. The signature on the inspection record represents a certification that the container has been inspected and has no defects that would render it unsafe for transportation under the HMR. The record of inspection must include the date of inspection, the inspector's contact information (such as a telephone number), the container's serial number and container size (water capacity), estimated amount of hazardous material, and the origin and destination of shipment.
(iv) Only one storage container may be transported on a motor vehicle.
(v) For loading on a motor vehicle, the container must be lifted by slings, which must be completely wrapped around the container. Lifting lugs may not be used. The slings must be rated to a weight sufficient to accommodate the container and its lading and shall comply with ASME B30.9 on slings used for lifting purposes, and must be visually inspected prior to each use. A sling showing evidence of tears, fraying, or other signs of excessive wear may not be used.
(vi) The storage container must be secured on a motor vehicle so that the container is completely within the envelope of the vehicle and does not extend beyond the vehicle frame.
(vii) The storage container must be placed on the vehicle in a manner, such as in a cradle, which ensures that no weight is placed on the supporting legs during transportation.
(viii) The storage container must be secured against shifting during transportation. Bracing must conform with the requirements of paragraph (j)(1)(iii) of this section and § 177.834(a) of this subchapter and with Section 6-5.2 of NFPA 58, Liquefied Petroleum Gas Code. Straps or chains used as tie-downs must be rated to exceed the maximum load to be transported and conform to the requirements in §§ 393.100 through 393.106 of this title.
(ix) Tow trailers used to transport storage containers in accordance with this paragraph (j)(2) must provide rear end protection that conforms to requirements in § 393.86 of this title.
(k) A nonspecification cargo tank meeting, and marked in conformance with, the edition of Section VIII of the ASME Code in effect when it was fabricated may be used for the transportation of liquefied petroleum gas provided it meets all of the following conditions:
(1) It must have a minimum design pressure no lower than 250 psig.
(2) It must have a capacity of 13,247.5 L (3,500 water gallons) or less.
(3) It must have been manufactured in conformance with Section VIII of the ASME Code prior to January 1, 1981, according to its ASME name plate and manufacturer's data report.
(4) It must conform to the applicable provisions of NFPA 58, except to the extent that provisions in NFPA 58 are inconsistent with requirements in parts 178 and 180 of this subchapter.
(5) It must be inspected, tested, and equipped in accordance with subpart E of part 180 of this subchapter as specified for MC 331 cargo tank motor vehicles.
(6) Except as provided in this paragraph (k), it must be operated exclusively in intrastate commerce, including its operation by a motor carrier otherwise engaged in interstate commerce, in a state where its operation was permitted by law (not including the incorporation of this subchapter) prior to January 1, 1981. A cargo tank motor vehicle operating under authority of this section may cross state lines to travel to and from a qualified assembly, repair, maintenance, or requalification facility. The cargo tank need not be cleaned and purged, but it may not contain liquefied petroleum gas in excess of five percent of the water capacity of the cargo tank. If the vehicle engine is supplied fuel from the cargo tank, enough fuel in excess of five percent of the cargo tank's water capacity may be carried for the trip to or from the facility.
(7) It must have been used to transport liquefied petroleum gas prior to January 1, 1981.
(8) It must be operated in conformance with all other requirements of this subchapter.
(l) Anhydrous ammonia must not be offered for transportation or transported in specification MC 330 and MC 331 cargo tanks constructed of quenched and tempered (“QT”) steel except as provided in this paragraph.
(1) The ammonia must have a minimum water content of 0.2 percent by weight. Any addition of water must be made using steam condensate, deionized, or distilled water.
(2) Except as otherwise provided in this paragraph, each person offering for transportation or transporting anhydrous ammonia shall perform a periodic analysis for prescribed water content in the ammonia. The analysis must be performed:
(i) From a sample of the ammonia in storage taken at least once every 7 days, or each time ammonia is added to the storage tanks, whichever is less frequent; or
(ii) At the time the cargo tanks are loaded, then a sample of the ammonia taken from at least one loaded cargo tank out of each 10 loads, or from one cargo tank every 24 hours, whichever is less frequent; or
(iii) At the same frequency as described in paragraph (l)(2)(ii) of this section, from a sample taken from the loading line to the cargo tank.
(3) If water is added at the time of loading:
(i) The sample for analysis must be taken from a point in the loading line between the water injection equipment and the cargo tank; and
(ii) Positive provisions must be made to assure water injection equipment is operating.
(4) If water injection equipment becomes inoperative, suitable corrective maintenance must be performed after which a sample from the first loaded cargo tank must be analyzed for prescribed water content.
(5) The analysis method for water content must be as prescribed in CGA G-2.2, “Tentative Standard Method for Determining Minimum of 0.2 percent water in Anhydrous Ammonia,” (IBR, see § 171.7 of this subchapter).
(6) Records indicating the results of the analysis taken, as required by this paragraph, must be retained for 2 years and must be open to inspection by a representative of the Department.
(7) Each person receiving anhydrous ammonia containing 0.2 per cent water by weight may offer for transportation or transport that ammonia without performing the prescribed analysis for water content provided:
(i) The ammonia received was certified as containing 0.2 percent water as prescribed in §§ 172.203(h)(l)(i) and 177.817(a) of this subchapter; and
(ii) The amount of water in the ammonia has not been reduced by any means.
(m) General. (1) A cargo tank that is commonly known as a nurse tank and considered an implement of husbandry transporting anhydrous ammonia and operated by a private motor carrier exclusively for agricultural purposes is excepted from the specification requirements of part 178 of this subchapter if it:
(i) Has a minimum design pressure of 250 psig, meets the requirements of Section VIII of the ASME Code (IBR, see § 171.7 of this subchapter), and is marked with a valid ASME plate.
(ii) Is equipped with pressure relief valves meeting the requirements of CGA Standard S-1.2 (IBR, see § 171.7 of this subchapter);
(iii) Is painted white or aluminum;
(iv) Has a capacity of 3,000 gallons or less;
(v) Is loaded to a filling density no greater than 56 percent;
(vi) Is securely mounted on a farm wagon or meets paragraph (m)(3) of this section; and
(vii) Is in conformance with the requirements of part 172 of this subchapter except that shipping papers are not required; and it need not be marked or placarded on one end if that end contains valves, fittings, regulators or gauges when those appurtenances prevent the markings and placard from being properly placed and visible.
(2) Nurse tanks with missing or illegible ASME plates. Nurse tanks with missing or illegible ASME plates may continue to be operated provided they conform to the following requirements:
(i) Each nurse tank must undergo an external visual inspection and testing in accordance with § 180.407(d) of this subchapter.
(ii) Each nurse tank must be thickness tested in accordance with § 180.407(i) of this subchapter. A nurse tank with a capacity of less than 1,500 gallons must have a minimum head thickness of 0.203 inch and a minimum shell thickness of 0.239 inch. A nurse tank with a capacity of 1,500 gallons or more must have a minimum thickness of 0.250 inch. Any nurse tank with a thickness test reading of less than that specified in this paragraph at any point must be removed from hazardous materials service.
(iii) Each nurse tank must be pressure tested in accordance with § 180.407(g) of this subchapter. The minimum test pressure is 375 psig. Pneumatic testing is not authorized.
(iv) Each nurse tank must be inspected and tested by a person meeting the requirements of § 180.409(d) of this subchapter. Furthermore, each nurse tank must have the tests performed at least once every five years after the completion of the initial tests.
(v) After each nurse tank has successfully passed the visual, thickness, and pressure tests, welded repairs on the tank are prohibited.
(vi) After the nurse tank has successfully passed the visual, thickness, and pressure tests, it must be marked in accordance with § 180.415(b), and permanently marked near the test and inspection markings with a unique owner's identification number in letters and numbers at least 1/2 inch in height and width.
(vii) Each nurse tank owner must maintain a copy of the test inspection report prepared by the inspector. The test report must contain the results of the test and meet the requirements in § 180.417(b) and be made available to a DOT representative upon request.
(3) Field truck mounted tanks. A non-DOT specification cargo tank (nurse tank) securely mounted on a field truck is authorized under the following conditions:
(i) The tank is in conformance with all the requirements of paragraph (m)(1) of this section, except that the requirement in paragraph (m)(1)(vi) does not apply;
(ii) The tank is inspected and tested in accordance with subpart E of part 180 of this subchapter as specified for an MC 331 cargo tank;
(iii) The tank is restricted to rural roads in areas within 50 miles of the fertilizer distribution point where the nurse tank is loaded; and
(iv) For the purposes of this section, a field truck means a vehicle on which a nurse tank is mounted that is designed to withstand off-road driving on hilly terrain. Specifically, the vehicle must be outfitted with stiffer suspension (for example, additional springs or airbags) than would be necessary for a comparable on-road vehicle, a rear axle ratio that provides greater low end torque, and a braking system and tires designed to ensure stability in hilly terrain. The field truck must have low annual over-the-road mileage and be used exclusively for agricultural purposes.
(n) Emergency discharge control for cargo tank motor vehicles in liquefied compressed gas service —(1) Required emergency discharge control equipment. Each cargo tank motor vehicle in liquefied compressed gas service must have an emergency discharge control capability as specified in the following table:
(2) Cargo tank motor vehicles in other than metered delivery service. A cargo tank motor vehicle in other than metered delivery service must have a means to automatically shut off the flow of product without the need for human intervention within 20 seconds of an unintentional release caused by a complete separation of a liquid delivery hose (passive shut-down capability).
(i) Designed flow of product through a bypass in the valve is acceptable when authorized by this subchapter.
(ii) The design for the means to automatically shut off product flow must be certified by a Design Certifying Engineer. The certification must consider any specifications of the original component manufacturer and must explain how the passive means to shut off the flow of product operates. It must also outline the parameters (e.g., temperature, pressure, types of product) within which the passive means to shut off the flow of product is designed to operate. All components of the discharge system that are integral to the design must be included in the certification. A copy of the design certification must be provided to the owner of the cargo tank motor vehicle on which the equipment will be installed.
(iii) Installation must be performed under the supervision of a Registered Inspector unless the equipment is installed and removed as part of regular operation (e.g., a hose). The Registered Inspector must certify that the equipment is installed and tested, if it is possible to do so without damaging the equipment, in accordance with the Design Certifying Engineer's certification. The Registered Inspector must provide the certification to the owner of the cargo tank motor vehicle.
(3) Cargo tank motor vehicles in metered delivery service. When required by the table in paragraph (n)(1) of this section, a cargo tank motor vehicle must have an off-truck remote means to close the internal self-closing stop valve and shut off all motive and auxiliary power equipment upon activation by a qualified person attending the unloading of the cargo tank motor vehicle (off-truck remote shut-off). It must function reliably at a distance of 45.72 m (150 feet). The off-truck remote shut-off activation device must not be capable of reopening the internal self-closing stop valve after emergency activation.
(i) The emergency discharge control equipment must be installed under the supervision of a Registered Inspector. Each wireless transmitter/receiver must be tested to demonstrate that it will close the internal self-closing stop valve and shut off all motive and auxiliary power equipment at a distance of 91.44 m (300 feet) under optimum conditions. Emergency discharge control equipment that does not employ a wireless transmitter/receiver must be tested to demonstrate its functioning at the maximum length of the delivery hose.
(ii) The Registered Inspector must certify that the remote control equipment is installed in accordance with the original component manufacturer's specifications and is tested in accordance with paragraph (n)(3)(i) of this section. The Registered Inspector must provide the owner of the cargo tank motor vehicle with this certification.
(4) Query systems. When a transmitter/receiver system is used to satisfy the requirements of paragraph (n)(1)(v) of this section, it must close the internal self-closing stop valve and shut off all motive and auxiliary power equipment unless the qualified person attending the unloading operation prevents it from doing so at least once every five minutes. Testing and certification must be as specified in paragraph (n)(3) of this section.
(5) Compliance dates. (i) Each specification MC 331 cargo tank motor vehicle with a certificate of construction issued two or more years after July 1, 1999, must have an appropriate emergency discharge control capability as specified in this paragraph (n).
(ii) No MC 330, MC 331, or nonspecification cargo tank motor vehicle authorized under paragraph (k) of this section may be operated unless it has an appropriate emergency discharge control capability as specified in this paragraph (n) no later than the date of its first scheduled pressure retest required after July 1, 2001. No MC 330, MC 331 or nonspecification cargo tank motor vehicle authorized under paragraph (k) of this section may be operated after July 1, 2006, unless it has been equipped with emergency discharge control equipment as specified in this paragraph (n).
(iii) No MC 330 or MC 331 cargo tank motor vehicle with a capacity over 13,247 L (3,500 gallons) used in metered delivery service may be operated unless it has an appropriate discharge control capability as specified in this paragraph (n) no later than July 1, 2003, or the date of its first scheduled pressure retest required after July 1, 2001, whichever is earlier.
(o) Chlorine cargo tank motor vehicles. Each cargo tank motor vehicle used for the transportation of chlorine must meet the requirements in the following:
(1) Any hose, piping, or tubing used for loading or unloading that is mounted or carried on the motor vehicle may not be attached to any valve and must be capped at all ends to prevent the entry of moisture, except at the time of loading or unloading. Except at the time of loading and unloading, the pipe connection of each angle valve must be closed with a screw plug which is chained or otherwise fastened to prevent misplacement.
(2) Each chlorine cargo tank motor vehicle angle valve must be tested to be leak free at not less than 225 psig using dry air or inert gas before installation and thereafter every 2 years when performing the required periodic retest in § 180.407(c) of this subchapter. Prior to each loading, the cargo tank motor vehicle must be inspected and the angle valves and gasketed joints must be examined and tested at a pressure of not less than 50 psig to determine that they are not leaking and are in proper condition for transportation. Any leaks must be corrected before the cargo tank motor vehicle is offered for transportation.
(3) Excess flow valves on the cargo tank motor vehicle must meet the requirements of paragraph (n) of this section.
(p) Fusible elements. Each MC 330, MC 331, or nonspecification cargo tank authorized under paragraph (k) of this section must have a thermal means of closure for each internal self-closing stop valve as specified in § 178.337-8(a)(4) of this subchapter.
(q) Manifolding is authorized for cargo tanks containing anhydrous ammonia provided each individual cargo tank is equipped with a pressure relief device or valves and gauging devices as required by paragraphs (h) and (i) of this section. Each valve must be tightly closed while the cargo tank is in transit. Each cargo tank must be filled separately.
§ 173.316   Cryogenic liquids in cylinders.
(a) General requirements. (1) A cylinder may not be loaded with a cryogenic liquid colder than the design service temperature of the packaging.
(2) A cylinder may not be loaded with any material which may combine chemically with any residue in the packaging to produce an unsafe condition.
(3) The jacket covering the insulation on a cylinder used to transport any flammable cryogenic liquid must be made of steel.
(4) A valve or fitting made of aluminum with internal rubbing or abrading aluminum parts that may come in contact with oxygen in the cryogenic liquid form may not be installed on any cylinder used to transport oxygen, cryogenic liquid unless the parts are anodized in accordance with ASTM Standard B 580 (IBR, see § 171.7 of this subchapter).
(5) An aluminum valve, pipe or fitting may not be installed on any cylinder used to transport any flammable cryogenic liquid.
(6) Each cylinder must be provided with one or more pressure relief devices, which must be installed and maintained in compliance with the requirements of this subchapter.
(7) Each pressure relief device must be installed and located so that the cooling effect of the contents during venting will not prevent effective operation of the device.
(8) All pressure relief device inlets must under maximum filling conditions be situated in the vapor space of the closed cryogenic receptacle and the devices must be arranged to ensure that the escaping vapor is discharged unobstructed.
(9) The maximum weight of the contents in a cylinder with a design service temperature colder than −320 °F. may not exceed the design weight marked on the cylinder (see § 178.35 of this subchapter).
(b) Pressure control systems. Each cylinder containing a cryogenic liquid must have a pressure control system that conforms to § 173.301(f) and is designed and installed so that it will prevent the cylinder from becoming liquid full.
(c) Specification cylinder requirements and filling limits. Specification DOT-4L cylinders (§ 178.57 of this subchapter) are authorized for the transportation of cryogenic liquids when carried in the vertical position as follows:
(1) For purposes of this section, “filling density,” except for hydrogen, is defined as the percent ratio of the weight of lading in the packaging to the weight of water that the packaging will hold at 60 °F. (1 lb. of water = 27.737 cubic inches at 60 °F.).
(2) The cryogenic liquids of argon, nitrogen, oxygen, helium and neon must be loaded and shipped in accordance with the following table:
(3) Hydrogen (minimum 95 percent parahydrogen) must be loaded and shipped as follows:
The filling density for hydrogen, cryogenic liquid is defined as the percent ratio of the weight of lading in a packaging to the weight of water that the packaging will hold at minus 423 °F. The volume of the packaging at minus 423 °F is determined in cubic inches. The volume is converted to pounds of water (1 lb. of water = 27.737 cubic inches).
(i) Each cylinder must be constructed, insulated and maintained so that during transportation the total rate of venting shall not exceed 30 SCF of hydrogen per hour.
(ii) In addition to the marking requirements in § 178.35 of this subchapter, the total rate of venting in SCF per hour (SCFH) shall be marked on the top head or valve protection band in letters at least one-half inch high as follows: “VENT RATE**SCFH” (with the asterisks replaced by the number representing the total rate of venting, in SCF per hour).
(iii) Carriage by highway is subject to the conditions specified in § 177.840(a) of this subchapter.
(d) Mixtures of cryogenic liquid. Where charging requirements are not specifically prescribed in paragraph (c) of this section, the cryogenic liquid must be shipped in packagings and under conditions approved by the Associate Administrator.
§ 173.318   Cryogenic liquids in cargo tanks.
(a) General requirements. (1) A cargo tank may not be loaded with a cryogenic liquid colder than the design service temperature of the packaging.
(2) A cargo tank may not be loaded with any material that may combine chemically with any residue in the packaging to produce an unsafe condition (see § 178.338-15).
(3) The jacket covering the insulation on a tank used to transport a cryogenic liquid must be made of steel if the cryogenic liquid:
(i) Is to be transported by vessel (see § 176.76(g) of this subchapter); or
(ii) Is oxygen or a flammable material.
(4) A valve or fitting made of aluminum with internal rubbing or abrading aluminum parts that may come in contact with oxygen in the cryogenic liquid form may not be installed on any cargo tank used to transport oxygen, cryogenic liquid unless the parts are anodized in accordance with ASTM Standard B 580 (IBR, see § 171.7 of this subchapter).
(5) An aluminum valve, pipe or fitting, external to the jacket that retains lading during transportation may not be installed on any cargo tank used to transport oxygen, cryogenic liquid or any flammable cryogenic liquid.
(6) A cargo tank used to transport oxygen, cryogenic liquid must be provided with a manhole (see § 178.338-6 of this subchapter).
(b) Pressure relief systems and pressure control valves —(1) Types of pressure relief systems —(i) Tanks in oxygen and flammable cryogenic liquid service. Except as otherwise provided in this paragraph, each tank in oxygen and flammable cryogenic liquid service must be protected by two independent pressure relief systems which are not connected in series, namely:
(A) A primary system of one or more pressure relief valves; and
(B) A secondary system of one of more frangible discs or pressure relief valves. For a tank in carbon monoxide service, the secondary system must be pressure relief valves only.
(ii) Tanks in helium and atmospheric gas (except oxygen) cryogenic liquid service. For a tank used in helium and atmospheric gas (except oxygen) cryogenic liquid service, the tank must be protected by at least one pressure relief system consisting of:
(A) One or more pressure relief valves; or
(B) A combination of one or more pressure relief valves and one or more frangible discs.
(2) Capacities of pressure relief systems —(i) Tanks in oxygen or flammable cryogenic liquid service. For tanks in oxygen or flammable cryogenic liquid service, the primary system and the secondary system of pressure relief devices must each have a flow capacity equal to or greater than that calculated by the applicable formula in paragraph 5.3.2 or paragraph 5.3.3 of CGA S-1.2 (IBR, see § 171.7 of this subchapter). In addition:
(A) The primary pressure relief system must have a total flow capacity at a pressure not exceeding 120 percent of the tank's design pressure.
(B) The secondary pressure relief system must have a total flow capacity at a pressure not exceeding 150 percent of the tank's design pressure.
(C) The flow capacity and rating must be verified and marked by the manufacturer of the device in accordance with CGA Pamphlet S-1.2.
(ii) Tanks in helium and atmospheric gas (except oxygen) cryogenic liquid service. For tanks in helium and atmospheric gas (except oxygen) cryogenic liquid service, the pressure relief system must have a flow capacity equal to or greater than that calculated by the applicable formula in paragraphs 5.3.2 or 5.3.3 of CGA Pamphlet S-1.2. If the pressure relief system consists of a combination of pressure relief valves and frangible discs, the pressure relief valves must have a total venting capacity equal to or greater than that calculated by the applicable formula in paragraph 4.1.10.1.1 of CGA Pamphlet S-1.2. The pressure relief system must have this total flow capacity at a pressure not exceeding 150 percent of the tank's design pressure. The flow capacity and rating must be verified and marked by the manufacturer of the device in accordance with CGA Pamphlet S-1.2.
(3) Type and construction of pressure relief devices. (i) Each pressure relief device must be designed and constructed for a pressure equal to or exceeding the tank's design pressure at the coldest temperature reasonably expected to be encountered.
(ii) Pressure relief devices must be either spring-loaded pressure relief valves or frangible discs. Pressure relief valves must be of a type that automatically open and close at predetermined pressures.
(4) Setting of pressure relief devices. (i) On a tank used in oxygen or flammable cryogenic liquid service, the pressure relief devices must perform as follows.
(A) Each pressure relief valve in the primary relief system must be set-to-discharge at a pressure no higher than 110 percent of the tank's design pressure.
(B) Each pressure relief device in the secondary pressure relief system must be designed to commence functioning at a pressure no lower than 130 percent and no higher than 150 percent of the tank's design pressure.
(ii) On a tank used in helium and atmospheric gas (except oxygen) cryogenic liquid service, the pressure relief devices in the pressure relief system must be designed to commence functioning at no higher than 150 percent of the tank's design pressure.
(5) Optional pressure relief devices and pressure control valves. In addition to the required pressure relief devices, a cargo tank in cryogenic liquid (except carbon monoxide) service may be equipped with one or both of the following:
(i) One or more pressure control valves set at a pressure below the tank's design pressure.
(ii) One or more frangible discs set to function at a pressure not less than one and one-half times or more than two times the tank's design pressure.
(6) Maximum filling rate. (i) For a tank used in oxygen and flammable cryogenic liquid service, the maximum rate at which the tank is filled must not exceed the liquid flow capacity of the primary pressure relief system rated at a pressure not exceeding 120 percent of the tank's design pressure.
(ii) On a tank used in helium and atmospheric gas (except oxygen) cryogenic liquid service, the maximum rate at which the tank is filled must not exceed the liquid flow capacity of the pressure relief valves rated at 150 percent of the tank's design pressure.
(7) Arrangement and location of pressure relief devices. (i) The discharge from any pressure relief system must be directed upward and be unobstructed to the outside of the protective housing in such a manner as to prevent impingement of gas upon the jacket or any structural part of the vehicle.
(ii) Each pressure relief valve must be arranged or protected to prevent the accumulation of foreign material between the relief valve and the atmospheric discharge opening in any relief piping. The arrangement must not impede flow through the device.
(iii) Each pressure relief valve must be designed and located to minimize the possibility of tampering. If the pressure setting or adjustment is external to the valve, the valve adjustment must be sealed.
(iv) Each pressure relief device must have direct communication with the vapor space of the tank at the midlength of the top centerline.
(v) Each pressure relief device must be installed and located so that the cooling effect of the contents during venting will not prevent the effective operation of the device.
(vi) All pressure relief device inlets must under maximum filling conditions be situated in the vapor space of the closed cryogenic receptacle and the devices must be arranged to ensure that the escaping vapor is discharged unobstructed.
(8) Connections. (i) Each connection to a pressure relief device must be of sufficient size to allow the required rate of discharge through the pressure relief device. The inlet connection must be not less than one-half inch nominal pipe size.
(ii) A shut-off valve may be installed in a pressure relief system only when the required relief capacity is provided at all times.
(9) Pressure relief devices for piping hose and vacuum-insulated jackets. (i) Each portion of connected liquid piping or hose that can be closed at both ends must be provided with either a hydrostatic pressure relief valve without an intervening shut-off valve, or a check valve permitting flow from the pipe or hose into the tank. If used, the relief valve must be located so as to prevent its discharge from impinging on the tank, piping, or operating personnel.
(ii) On a vacuum-insulated cargo tank the jacket must be protected by a suitable relief device to release internal pressure. The discharge area of this device must be at least 0.00024 square inch per pound of water capacity of the tank. This relief device must function at a pressure not exceeding the internal design pressure of the jacket, calculated in accordance with Section VIII of the ASME Code (IBR, see § 171.7 of this subchapter), or 25 psig, whichever is less.
(10) Tank inlet, outlet, pressure relief device and pressure control valve markings. (i) Each tank inlet and outlet, except pressure relief devices and pressure control valves, must be permanently marked to indicate whether it communicates with “vapor” or “liquid” when the tank is filled to the maximum permitted filling density.
(ii) Each pressure relief valve must be plainly and permanently marked with the pressure, in psig, at which it is set-to-discharge, the discharge rate of the device in SCF per minute (SCFM) of free air, and the manufacturer's name or trade name and catalog number. The marked set-to-discharge pressure valve must be visible with the valve in its installed position. The rated discharge capacity of the device must be determined at a pressure of 120 percent of the design pressure of the tank.
(iii) Each pressure control valve must be plainly and permanently marked with the pressure, in psig, at which it is set-to-discharge.
(c) Weight of lading requirements. The weight of a cryogenic liquid in the tank must be determined by weighing or by the use of a liquid level gauging device authorized in § 178.338-14(a) of this subchapter, and may not exceed the lesser of:
(1) The weight of lading in the tank, based on the water capacity stamped on the nameplate (§ 178.338-18(a)(4) of this subchapter) and the appropriate maximum permitted filling density specified in paragraph (f) of this section; or
(2) The maximum weight of lading for which the cargo tank was designed, as marked on the specification plate (see § 178.338-18(b) of this subchapter).
(d) Outage. Except for a cargo tank containing helium, cryogenic liquid, a cargo tank offered for transportation must have an outage of at least two percent below the inlet of the pressure relief device or pressure control valve, under conditions of incipient opening, with the tank in a level attitude.
(e) Temperature. A flammable cryogenic liquid in a cargo tank at the start of travel must be at a temperature sufficiently cold that the pressure setting of the pressure control valve or the required pressure relief valve, whichever is lower, will not be reached in less time than the marked rated holding time for the cryogenic liquid (see paragraph (g)(3) of this section and § 178.338-9(b) of this subchapter).
(f) Specification MC-338 (§ 178.338 of this subchapter) cargo tanks are authorized for the shipment of the following cryogenic liquids subject to the following additional requirements:
(1) For purposes of this section, “filling density” is defined as the percent ratio of the weight of lading in the tank to the weight of water that the tank will hold at the design service temperature (one pound of water = 27.737 cubic inches at 60 °F., or one gallon of water = 231 cubic inches at 60 °F. and weighs 8.32828 pounds).
(2) Air, argon, helium, nitrogen, and oxygen, cryogenic liquids must be loaded and shipped in accordance with the following table:
Pressure Control Valve Setting or Relief Valve Setting
(3) Carbon monoxide, hydrogen (minimum 95 percent para-hydrogen), ethylene, and methane or natural gas, cryogenic liquids must be loaded and shipped in accordance with the following table:
Pressure Control Valve Setting or Relief Valve Setting
(4) Mixtures of cryogenic liquid. Where charging requirements are not specifically prescribed in this paragraph (f), the cryogenic liquid must be shipped in packagings and under conditions approved by the Associate Administrator.
(g) One-way travel time; marking. The jacket of a cargo tank to be used to transport a flammable cryogenic liquid must be marked on its right side near the front, in letters and numbers at least two inches high, “One-Way-Travel-Time __ hrs.”, with the blank filled in with a number indicating the one-way travel time (OWTT), in hours, of the cargo tank for the flammable cryogenic liquid to be transported. A cargo tank that is partially unloaded at one or more locations must have additional marking “One-Way-Travel-Time __ hrs. __ psig to __ psig at __ percent filling density,” with the second blank filled in with the pressure existing after partial unloading and the third blank filled in with the set-to-discharge pressure of the control valve or pressure relief valve, and the fourth blank with the filling density following partial unloading. Multiple OWTT markings for different pressure levels are permitted. The abbreviation “OWTT” may be used in place of the words “One-way-travel-time” in the marking required by this paragraph.
(1) OWTT is based on the marked rated holding time (MRHT) of the cargo tank for the cryogenic liquid to be transported in the cargo tank. If the MRHT for the flammable cryogenic liquid is not displayed on or adjacent to the specification plate, this MRHT may be derived.
(2) The MRHT is converted to OWTT, in hours, as follows:
(i) For a tank with an MRHT of 72 hours or less,
(ii) For a tank with an MRHT greater than 72 hours,
(3) Each cargo tank motor vehicle used to transport a flammable cryogenic liquid must be examined after each shipment to determine its actual holding time. The record required by § 177.840(h) of this subchapter may be used for this determination. If the examination indicates that the actual holding time of the cargo tank, after adjustment to reflect an average ambient temperature of 85 °F, is less than 90 percent of the marked rated holding time (MRHT) for the cryogenic liquid marked on the specification plate or adjacent thereto (see § 178.338-18(b) of this subchapter), the tank may not be refilled with any flammable cryogenic liquid until it is restored to its marked rated holding time value or it is re-marked with the actual marked rated holding time determined by this examination. If the name of the flammable cryogenic liquid that was transported and its marked rated holding time is not displayed on or adjacent to the specification plate, this requirement may be met by deriving the MRHT of the cargo tank for that flammable cryogenic liquid and comparing that derived MRHT with the actual holding time after adjustment.
§ 173.319   Cryogenic liquids in tank cars.
(a) General requirements. (1) A tank car containing a flammable cryogenic liquid may not be shipped unless it was loaded by, or with the consent of, the owner of the tank car.
(2) The amount of flammable cryogenic liquid loaded into a tank car must be determined, either by direct measurement or by calculation based on weight, to verify that the tank has not been filled to a level in excess of the limits specified in paragraph (d)(2) of this section. The weight of any flammable cryogenic liquid loaded, except hydrogen, must be checked by use of scales after disconnecting the loading line.
(3) The shipper must notify the Federal Railroad Administration whenever a tank car containing any flammable cryogenic liquid is not received by the consignee within 20 days from the date of shipment. Notification to the Federal Railroad Administration may be made by email to HMassist@dot.gov or telephone call to (202) 493-6245.
(4) A tank car may not be loaded with any flammable cryogenic liquid:
(i) That may combine chemically with any residue in the tank to produce an unsafe condition,
(ii) That is colder than the design service temperature of the tank,
(iii) If the average daily pressure rise in the tank exceeded 3 psig during the prior shipment,
(iv) Unless it is marked with the name of contents, in accordance with § 172.330 of this subchapter.
(b) When a tank car containing a flammable cryogenic liquid is offered for transportation:
(1) At least 0.5 percent outage must be provided below the inlet of the pressure relief or pressure control valve at the start-to-discharge pressure setting of the valve, with the tank car in a level attitude, and
(2) The absolute pressure in the annular space must be less than 75 microns of mercury.
(c) Temperature. A flammable cryogenic liquid must be loaded into a tank car at such a temperature that the average daily pressure rise during transportation will not exceed 3 psig (see paragraph (a)(4)(iii) of this section).
(d) A Class DOT-113 tank car is authorized for the shipment of the following cryogenic liquids subject to the following additional requirements:
(1) For purposes of this section, “filling density” is defined as the percent ratio of the weight of lading in the tank to the weight of water that the tank will hold at the design service temperature (one pound of water = 27.737 cubic inches at 60 °F., or one gallon of water = 231 cubic inches at 60 °F. and weighs 8.32828 pounds).
(2) Ethylene, hydrogen (minimum 95 percent parahydrogen), and methane, cryogenic liquids must be loaded and shipped in accordance with the following table:
Table 1 to § 173.319(d)—Pressure Control Valve Setting or Relief Valve Setting
Note: For DOT 113 cryogenic tank cars, delimiters indicate the following:
A—authorized for minus 423 °F loading;
C—authorized for minus 260 °F loading;
D—authorized for minus 155 °F loading.
The specification suffix “9” indicates the tank car is equipped with (minimum) 9/16 inch TC 128B normalized steel outer jacket and tank heads.
(e) Special requirements for class DOT 113 tank cars. (1) A class DOT-113 tank car need not be periodically pressure tested; however, each shipment must be monitored to determine the average daily pressure rise in the tank car. If the average daily pressure rise during any shipment exceeds 0.2 Bar (3 psig) per day, the tank must be tested for thermal integrity prior to any subsequent shipment.
(2) Thermal integrity test. When required by paragraph (e)(1) of this section, either of the following thermal integrity tests may be used:
(i) Pressure rise test. The pressure rise in the tank may not exceed 0.34 Bar (5 psig) in 24 hours. When the pressure rise test is performed, the absolute pressure in the annular space of the loaded tank car may not exceed 75 microns of mercury at the beginning of the test and may not increase more than 25 microns during the 24-hour period; or
(ii) Calculated heat transfer rate test. The insulation system must be performance tested as prescribed in § 179.400-4 of this subchapter. When the calculated heat transfer rate test is performed, the absolute pressure in the annular space of the loaded tank car may not exceed 75 microns of mercury at the beginning of the test and may not increase more than 25 microns during the 24-hour period. The calculated heat transfer rate in 24 hours may not exceed:
(A) 120 percent of the appropriate standard heat transfer rate specified in § 179.401-1 of this subchapter, for DOT-113A60W and DOT-113C120W tank cars;
(B) 122.808 joules (0.1164 Btu/day/lb.) of inner tank car water capacity, for DOT-113A175W tank cars;
(C) 345.215 joules (0.3272 Btu/day/lb.) of inner tank car water capacity, for DOT-113C60W and 113D60W tank cars; or
(D) 500.09 joules (0.4740 Btu/day/lb.) of inner tank car water capacity, for DOT-113D120W tank cars.
(3) A tank car that fails a test prescribed in paragraph (e)(2) of this section must be removed from hazardous materials service. A tank car removed from hazardous materials service because it failed a test prescribed in paragraph (e)(2) of this section may not be used to transport a hazardous material unless the tank car conforms to all applicable requirements of this subchapter.
(4) Each rupture disc must be replaced every 12 months, and the replacement date must be marked on the car near the pressure relief valve information.
(5) Pressure relief valves and alternate pressure relief valves must be tested every five years. The start-to-discharge pressure and vapor tight pressure requirements for the pressure relief valves must be as specified in § 179.401-1 of this subchapter. The alternate pressure relief device values specified in § 179.401-1 of this subchapter for a DOT-113C120W tank car apply to a DOT-113D120W tank car.
§ 173.320   Cryogenic liquids; exceptions.
(a) Atmospheric gases and helium, cryogenic liquids, in Dewar flasks, insulated cylinders, insulated portable tanks, insulated cargo tanks, and insulated tank cars, designed and constructed so that the pressure in such packagings will not exceed 25.3 psig under ambient temperature conditions during transportation are not subject to the requirements of this subchapter when transported by motor vehicle or railcar except as specified in paragraphs (a)(1), (a)(2), and (a)(3) of this section.
(1) Sections 171.15 and 171.16 of this subchapter pertaining to the reporting of incidents, not including a release that is the result of venting through a pressure control valve, or the neck of the Dewar flask.
(2) Subparts A, B, C, D, G and H of part 172, (§§ 174.24 for rail and 177.817 for highway) and in addition, part 172 in its entirety for oxygen.
(3) Subparts A and B of part 173, and §§ 174.1 and 177.800, 177.804, and 177.823 of this subchapter.
(b) The requirements of this subchapter do not apply to atmospheric gases and helium:
(1) During loading and unloading operations (pressure rises may exceed 25.3 psig); or
(2) When used in operation of a process system; such as a refrigeration system (pressure may exceed 25.3 psig).
(c) For transportation aboard aircraft, see the ICAO Technical Instructions (IBR, see § 171.7 of this subchapter), Packing Instruction 202 and the packaging specifications in part 6, chapter 5.
§ 173.321   Ethylamine.
Ethylamine must be packaged as follows:
(a) In 1A1 drums which meet Packing Group I performance level requirements.
(b) In specification cylinders as prescribed for any compressed gas except acetylene.
§ 173.322   Ethyl chloride.
Ethyl chloride must be packaged in any of the following single or combination non-bulk packagings which meet Packing Group I performance level requirements:
(a) In 4C1, 4C2, 4D or 4F wooden boxes with glass, earthenware, or metal inner receptacles not over 500 g (17.6 ounces) capacity each;
(b) In 4G fiberboard boxes with glass, earthenware, or metal inner receptacles not over 500 g (17.6 ounces) capacity each. Outer packagings may not exceed 30 kg (66 pounds) gross weight;
(c) In 1A1 drums of not over 100 L (26 gallons) capacity each; or
(d) In specification cylinders as prescribed for any compressed gas except acetylene. Cylinders made of aluminum alloy are not authorized.
(e) In capsules under the following conditions:
(1) The mass of gas must not exceed 150 g (5.30 ounces) per capsule;
(2) The capsule must be free of faults liable to impair its strength;
(3) The leakproofness integrity of the closure must be maintained by a secondary means ( e.g., cap, crown, seal, binding, etc. ) capable of preventing any leakage of the closure while in transportation; and
(4) The capsules must be placed in a strong outer packaging suitable for the contents and may not exceed a gross mass of 75 kg (165 pounds).
§ 173.323   Ethylene oxide.
(a) For packaging ethylene oxide in non-bulk packagings, silver mercury or any of its alloys or copper may not be used in any part of a packaging, valve, or other packaging appurtenance if that part, during normal conditions of transportation, may come in contact with ethylene oxide liquid or vapor. Copper alloys may be used only where gas mixtures do not contain free acetylene at any concentration that will form copper acetylene. All packaging and gaskets must be constructed of materials which are compatible with ethylene oxide and do not lower the auto-ignition temperature of ethylene oxide.
(b) Ethylene oxide must be packaged in one of the following:
(1) In hermetically sealed glass or metal inner packagings suitably cushioned in an outer package authorized by § 173.201(b). The maximum quantity permitted in any glass inner packaging is 100 g (3.5 ounces), and the maximum quantity permitted in any metal inner packaging is 340 g (12 ounces). After filling, each inner packaging shall be determined to be leak-tight by placing the inner packaging in a hot water bath at a temperature, and for a period of time, sufficient to ensure that an internal pressure equal to the vapor pressure of ethylene oxide at 55 °C is achieved. The total quantity in any outer packaging shall not exceed 100 g (3.5 ounces), and the total quantity in any outer packaging containing only metal inner packagings shall not exceed 2.5 kg (5.5 pounds). Each completed package must be capable of passing all Packing Group I performance tests.
(2) In specification cylinders or UN pressure receptacles, as authorized for any compressed gas except acetylene. Pressurizing valves and insulation are required for cylinders over 4 L (1 gallon) capacity. Eductor tubes must be provided for cylinders over 19 L (5 gallons) capacity. Cylinders must be seamless or welded steel (not brazed) with a nominal capacity of no more than 115 L (30 gallons) and may not be liquid full below 82 °C (180 °F). Before each refilling, each cylinder must be tested for leakage at no less than 103.4 kPa (15 psig) pressure. In addition, each cylinder must be equipped with a fusible type relief device with yield temperature of 69 °C to 77 °C (157 °F to 170 °F). The capacity of the relief device and the effectiveness of the insulation must be such that the charged cylinder will not explode when tested by the method described in CGA Pamphlet C-14 (IBR, see § 171.7 of this subchapter) or other equivalent method.
(3) In 1A1 steel drums of no more than 231 L (61 gallons) and meeting Packing Group I performance standards. The drum must be lagged of all welded construction with the inner shell having a minimum thickness of 1.7 mm (0.068 inches) and the outer shell having a minimum thickness of 2.4 mm (0.095 inches). Drums must be capable of withstanding a hydrostatic test pressure of 690 kPa (100 psig). Lagging must be of sufficient thickness so that the drum, when filled with ethylene oxide and equipped with the required pressure relief device, will not rupture when exposed to fire. The drum may not be liquid full below 85 °C (185 °F), and must be marked “THIS END UP” on the top head. Before each refilling, each drum must be tested for leakage at no less than 103 kPa (15 psig) pressure. Each drum must be equipped with a fusible type relief device with yield temperature of 69 °C to 77 °C (157 °F to 170 °F), and the capacity of the relief device must be such that the filled drum is capable of passing, without rupture, the test method described in CGA Pamphlet C-14 or other equivalent method.
(c) When § 172.101 of this subchapter specifies that a hazardous material be packaged under this section, only the following bulk packagings are authorized, subject to the requirements of subparts A and B of this part, the special provisions specified in column 7 of the § 172.101 table, and paragraphs (d) through (j) of this section:
(1) Tank cars. Class DOT 105 tank cars:
(i) Each tank car built before March 16, 2009 must have a tank test pressure of at least 20.7 Bar (300 psig); and
(ii) Except as provided in § 173.314(d), tank cars built on or after March 16, 2009 used for the transportation of ethylene oxide must meet the applicable authorized tank car specification listed in the table in § 173.314(c).
(2) Cargo tanks. Specification MC 330 and MC 331 cargo tank motor vehicles.
(3) Portable tanks. DOT 51 portable tanks.
(d) The pressure relief devices must be set to function at 517 kPa (75 psig). Portable tanks fitted with non-reclosing devices made and in use prior to December 31, 1987, may continue to be used in ethylene oxide service.
(e) In determining outage, consideration must be given to the lading temperature and solubility of inert gas padding in ethylene oxide as well as the partial pressure exerted by the gas padding.
(f) Each tank, loaded or empty, must be padded with dry nitrogen or other suitable inert gas of sufficient quantity to render the vapor space of the tank nonflammable up to 41 °C (105 °F). The gas used for padding must be free of impurities which may cause the ethylene oxide to polymerize, decompose or undergo other violent chemical reaction.
(g) Copper, silver, mercury, magnesium or their alloys may not be used in any part of the tank or appurtenances that are normally in contact with the lading.
(h) Neoprene, natural rubber and asbestos gaskets are prohibited. All packing and gaskets must be made of materials which do not react with or lower the autoignition temperature of the lading.
(i) Each tank must be insulated with cork (at least 10 cm (4 inches) thick), or mineral wool, fiberglass or other suitable insulation material of sufficient thickness so that the thermal conductance at 16 °C (60 °F) is not more than 0.075 Btu per hour per square foot per degree F. temperature differential. Portable tanks made and in use prior to December 31, 1987 equipped with fusible plugs instead of a pressure relief valve or rupture disc, must have sufficient insulation so that the tank as filled for shipment will not rupture in a fire. The insulation on portable tanks or cargo tank motor vehicles must be protected with a steel jacket at least 2.54 mm (0.100 inch) thick, or as required by the specification.
(j) Tank car tanks built after December 30, 1971 must be equipped with a thermometer well.
§ 173.334   Organic phosphates mixed with compressed gas.
Hexaethyl tetraphosphate, parathion, tetraethyl dithio pyrophosphate, tetraethyl pyrophosphate, or other Division 6.1 organic phosphates (including a compound or mixture), may be mixed with a non-flammable compressed gas. This mixture may not contain more than 20 percent by weight of organic phosphate and must be packaged in DOT 3A240, 3AA240, 3B240, 4B240, 4BA240, 4BW240 or UN cylinders meeting all of the following requirements:
(a) Each cylinder may be filled with not more than 5 kg (11.0 lb) of the mixture, to a maximum filling density of not more than 80 percent of the water capacity.
(b) No cylinder may be equipped with an eduction tube or a fusible plug.
(c) No cylinder may be equipped with any valve unless the valve is a type approved by the Associate Administrator.
(d) Cylinders must be overpacked in a box, crate, or other strong outer packaging conforming to the requirements of § 173.25 and arranged to protect each valve or other closing device from damage. Except as provided in paragraph (e) of this section, no more than four cylinders may be packed in a strong outer packaging. Each strong outer packaging with its closing device protection must be sufficiently strong to protect all parts of each cylinder from deformation or leakage if the completed package is dropped 1.8 m (6 feet) onto a non-yielding surface, such as concrete or steel, impacting at the packaging's weakest point.
(e) Cylinders may be packed in strong wooden boxes with valves or other closing devices protected from damage, with not more than twelve cylinders in one outside wooden box. An outer fiberboard box may be used when not more than four such cylinders are to be shipped in one packaging. Valves must be adequately protected. Box and valve protection must be of sufficient strength to protect all parts of inner packagings and valves from deformation or breakage resulting from a drop of at least 1.8 m (6 feet) onto a non-yielding surface, such as concrete or steel, impacting at the weakest point.
§ 173.335   Chemical under pressure n.o.s.
(a) General requirements. A cylinder filled with a chemical under pressure must be offered for transportation in accordance with the requirements of this section and § 173.301 (except for the cylinder valve cap requirements in §§ 173.301(a)(11) and (12)). In addition, a DOT specification cylinder must meet the requirements in §§ 173.301a, 173.302, 173.302a, and 173.305, as applicable. UN pressure receptacles must meet the requirements in §§ 173.301b, 173.302b, and 173.304b, as applicable. Where more than one section applies to a cylinder, the most restrictive requirements must be followed.
(b) Filling limits. Cylinders must be filled so that at 50 °C (122 °F) the non-gaseous phase does not exceed 95% of their water capacity and they are not completely filled at 60 °C (140 °F). When filled, the internal pressure at 65 °C (149 °F) must not exceed the test pressure of the cylinder. The vapor pressures and volumetric expansion of all substances in the cylinders must be taken into account.
(c) Minimum service pressure. The minimum service pressure must be in accordance with the design specifications of part 178 of this subchapter for the propellant. In any case the minimum test pressure must not be less than 20 bar.
(d) Periodic inspection. (1) Except as specified in (d)(2) of this section, the maximum requalification test period for cylinders transporting chemical under pressure n.o.s. is 5 years.
(2) For cylinders with maximum capacity of 450 L or less and filled with materials used as fire extinguishing agents, the maximum requalification test period is 10 years.
§ 173.336   Nitrogen dioxide, liquefied, or dinitrogen tetroxide, liquefied.
(a) Nitrogen dioxide, liquefied, or dinitrogen tetroxide, liquefied, must be packaged in specification or UN cylinders as prescribed in § 173.192, except valves are not authorized. UN tubes and MEGCs are not authorized for use. Cylinders must be equipped with a stainless steel valve and valve seat that will not deteriorate in contact with nitrogen dioxide. Each valve opening must be closed by a solid metal plug with tapered thread properly luted to prevent leakage. Transportation in DOT 3AL cylinders is authorized only by highway and rail.
(b) Each UN pressure receptacle must be cleaned in accordance with the requirements of ISO 11621 (IBR, see § 171.7 of this subchapter). Each DOT specification cylinder must be cleaned according to the requirements of GSA Federal Specification RR-C-901D, paragraphs 3.3.1 and 3.3.2 (IBR, see § 171.7 of this subchapter). Cleaning agents equivalent to those specified in RR-C-901D may be used; however, any cleaning agent must not be capable of reacting with oxygen. One cylinder selected at random from a group of 200 or fewer and cleaned at the same time must be tested for oil contamination in accordance with Specification RR-C-901D, paragraph 4.3.2 (IBR, see § 171.7 of this subchapter) and meet the standard of cleanliness specified therein.
§ 173.337   Nitric oxide.
(a) Nitric oxide must be packaged in cylinders conforming to the requirements of § 173.40 and as follows:
(1) DOT specification cylinder. In a DOT 3A1800, 3AA1800, 3E1800, or 3AL1800 cylinder. A DOT specification cylinder must be charged to a pressure of not more than 5,170 kPa (750 psi) at 21 °C (70 °F). Transportation of nitric oxide in a DOT 3AL is cylinder is authorized only by highway and rail.
(2) UN cylinder. In a UN cylinder with a minimum test pressure of 200 bar. The maximum working pressure of the cylinder must not exceed 50 bar. The pressure in the cylinder at 65 °C (149 °F) may not exceed the test pressure. The use of UN tubes and MEGCs is not authorized.
(3) Valves. Cylinders must be equipped with a stainless steel valve and valve seat that will not deteriorate in contact with nitric oxide. Cylinders or valves may not be equipped with pressure relief devices of any type.
(b) Each UN cylinder must be cleaned in accordance with the requirements of ISO 11621 (IBR, see § 171.7 of this subchapter). Each DOT specification cylinder must be cleaned in compliance with the requirements of GSA Federal Specification RR-C-901D, paragraphs 3.3.1 and 3.3.2 (IBR, see § 171.7 of this subchapter). Cleaning agents equivalent to those specified in Federal Specification RR-C-901D may be used; however, any cleaning agent must not be capable of reacting with oxygen. One cylinder selected at random from a group of 200 or fewer and cleaned at the same time must be tested for oil contamination in accordance with Federal Specification RR-C-901D paragraph 4.3.2 and meet the standard of cleanliness specified therein.
§ 173.338   Tungsten hexafluoride.
(a) Tungsten hexafluoride must be packaged in specification 3A, 3AA, 3BN, or 3E (§§ 178.36, 178.37, 178.39, 178.42 of this subchapter) cylinders. Cylinders must be equipped with a valve protection cap or be packed in a strong outer packaging meeting the provisions of § 173.40. Outlets of any valves must be capped or plugged. As an alternative, the cylinder opening may be closed by the use of a metal plug. Specification 3E cylinders must be shipped in an overpack that meets the provisions of § 173.40.
(b) In place of the volumetric expansion test, DOT 3BN cylinders used in exclusive service may be given a complete external visual inspection in conformance with part 180, subpart C, of this subchapter, at the time such periodic requalification becomes due. Cylinders that undergo a complete external visual inspection, in place of the volumetric expansion test, must be condemned if removed from tungsten hexafluoride service.
§ 173.340   Tear gas devices.
(a) Packagings for tear gas devices must be approved prior to initial transportation by the Associate Administrator.
(b) Tear gas devices may not be assembled with, or packed in the same packaging with, mechanically- or manually-operated firing, igniting, bursting, or other functioning elements unless of a type and design which has been approved by the Associate Administrator.
(c) Tear gas grenades, tear gas candles, and similar devices must be packaged in one of the following packagings conforming to the requirements of part 178 of this subchapter at the Packing Group II performance level:
(1) In UN 4A, 4B, or 4N metal boxes or UN 4C1, 4C2, 4D, or 4F metal-strapped wooden boxes. Functioning elements not assembled in grenades or devices must be in a separate compartment of these boxes, or in inner or separate outer boxes, UN 4C1, 4C2, 4D, or 4F, and must be packed and cushioned so that they may not come in contact with each other or with the walls of the box during transportation. Not more than 50 tear gas devices and 50 functioning elements must be packed in one box, and the gross weight of the outer box may not exceed 35 kg (77 pounds).
(2) In UN 1A2, 1B2, 1N2 or 1H2 drums. Functioning elements must be packed in a separate inner packaging or compartment. Not more than 24 tear gas devices and 24 functioning elements must be packed in one outer drum, and the gross weight of the drum may not exceed 35 kg (77 pounds).
(3) In a UN 4G fiberboard box with inside tear gas devices meeting Specifications 2P or 2Q. Each inside packaging must be placed in fiberboard tubes fitted with metal ends or a fiber box with suitable padding. Not more than 30 inner packagings must be packed in one outer box, and the gross weight of the outer box may not exceed 16 kg (35 pounds).
(4) In other packagings of a type or design which has been approved by the Associate Administrator.
(d) Tear gas devices may be shipped completely assembled when offered by or consigned to the U.S. Department of Defense, provided the functioning elements are packed so that they cannot accidentally function. Outer packagings must be UN 4A, 4B, or 4N metal boxes or UN 4C1, 4C2, 4D, or 4F metal-strapped wooden boxes.
§ 173.401   Scope.
(a) This subpart sets forth requirements for the packaging and transportation of Class 7 (radioactive) materials by offerors and carriers subject to this subchapter. The requirements prescribed in this subpart are in addition to, not in place of, other requirements set forth in this subchapter for Class 7 (radioactive) materials and those of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission in 10 CFR part 71.
(b) This subpart does not apply to:
(1) Class 7 (radioactive) materials produced, used, transported, or stored within an establishment other than during the course of transportation, including storage in transportation.
(2) Class 7 (radioactive) materials that have been implanted or incorporated into, and are still in, a person or live animal for diagnosis or treatment.
(3) Class 7 (radioactive) material that is an integral part of the means of transport.
(4) Natural material and ores containing naturally occurring radionuclides which are either in their natural state, or which have only been processed for purposes other than for extraction of the radionuclides, and which are not intended to be processed for the use of these radionuclides, provided the activity concentration of the material does not exceed 10 times the exempt material activity concentration values specified in § 173.436, or determined in accordance with the requirements of § 173.433.
(5) Non-radioactive solid objects with radioactive substances present on any surfaces in quantities not exceeding the threshold limits set forth in the definition of contamination in § 173.403.
§ 173.403   Definitions.
For purposes of this subpart—
A 1 means the maximum activity of special form Class 7 (radioactive) material permitted in a Type A package. This value is either listed in § 173.435 or may be derived in accordance with the procedures prescribed in § 173.433.
A 2 means the maximum activity of Class 7 (radioactive) material, other than special form material, LSA material, and SCO, permitted in a Type A package. This value is either listed in § 173.435 or may be derived in accordance with the procedures prescribed in § 173.433.
Class 7 (radioactive) material See the definition of Radioactive material in this section.
Closed transport vehicle means a transport vehicle or conveyance equipped with a securely attached exterior enclosure that during normal transportation restricts the access of unauthorized persons to the cargo space containing the Class 7 (radioactive) materials. The enclosure may be either temporary or permanent, and in the case of packaged materials may be of the “see-through” type, and must limit access from top, sides, and bottom.
Consignment means a package or group of packages or load of radioactive material offered by a person for transport in the same shipment.
Containment system means the assembly of components of the packaging intended to retain the Class 7 (radioactive) material during transport.
Contamination means the presence of a radioactive substance on a surface in quantities in excess of 0.4 Bq/cm 2 for beta and gamma emitters and low toxicity alpha emitters or 0.04 Bq/cm 2 for all other alpha emitters. There are two categories of contamination:
(1) Fixed contamination means contamination that cannot be removed from a surface during normal conditions of transport.
(2) Non-fixed contamination means contamination that can be removed from a surface during normal conditions of transport.
Conveyance means:
(1) For transport by public highway or rail: any transport vehicle or large freight container;
(2) For transport by water: any vessel, or any hold, compartment, or defined deck area of a vessel including any transport vehicle on board the vessel; and
(3) For transport by aircraft, any aircraft.
Criticality Safety Index (CSI) means a number (rounded up to the next tenth) which is used to provide control over the accumulation of packages, overpacks or freight containers containing fissile material. The CSI for a package containing fissile material is determined in accordance with the instructions provided in 10 CFR 71.22, 71.23, and 71.59. The CSI for an overpack, freight container, consignment or conveyance containing fissile material packages is the arithmetic sum of the criticality safety indices of all the fissile material packages contained within the overpack, freight container, consignment or conveyance.
Design means the description of a special form Class 7 (radioactive) material, a package, packaging, or LSA-III, that enables those items to be fully identified. The description may include specifications, engineering drawings, reports showing compliance with regulatory requirements, and other relevant documentation.
Deuterium means, for the purposes of § 173.453, deuterium and any deuterium compound, including heavy water, in which the ratio of deuterium atoms to hydrogen atoms exceeds 1:5000.
Exclusive use means sole use by a single consignor of a conveyance for which all initial, intermediate, and final loading and unloading and shipment are carried out in accordance with the direction of the consignor or consignee where required by this subchapter. The consignor and the carrier must ensure that any loading or unloading is performed by personnel having radiological training and resources appropriate for safe handling of the consignment. The consignor must provide to the initial carrier specific written instructions for maintenance of exclusive use shipment controls, including the vehicle survey requirement of § 173.443(c) as applicable, and include these instructions with the shipping paper information provided to the carrier by the consignor.
Exemption value means either an exempt material activity concentration or an exempt consignment activity limit listed in the table in § 173.436, or determined according to the procedures described in § 173.433, and used to determine whether a given physically radioactive material is sufficiently radioactive to be subject to the HMR (see definition of radioactive material). An exemption value is different from an exemption, as specified under the definition for special permit in § 171.8 of this subchapter.
Fissile material means plutonium-239, plutonium-241, uranium-233, uranium-235, or any combination of these radionuclides. Fissile material means the fissile nuclides themselves, not material containing fissile nuclides, but does not include: Unirradiated natural uranium or depleted uranium; and natural uranium or depleted uranium that has been irradiated in thermal reactors only. Certain exceptions for fissile materials are provided in § 173.453.
Freight container means a reusable container having a volume of 1.81 cubic meters (64 cubic feet) or more, designed and constructed to permit it being lifted with its contents intact and intended primarily for containment of packages in unit form during transportation. A “small freight container” is one which has an internal volume of not more than 3.0 cubic meters (106 cubic feet). All other freight containers are designated as “large freight containers.”
Graphite means, for the purposes of § 173.453, graphite with a boron equivalent content less than 5 parts per million and density greater than 1.5 grams per cubic centimeter.
Highway route controlled quantity means a quantity within a single package which exceeds:
(1) 3,000 times the A 1 value of the radionuclides as specified in § 173.435 for special form Class 7 (radioactive) material;
(2) 3,000 times the A 2 value of the radionuclides as specified in § 173.435 for normal form Class 7 (radioactive) material; or
(3) 1,000 TBq (27,000 Ci), whichever is least.
Limited quantity of Class 7 (radioactive) material means a quantity of Class 7 (radioactive) material not exceeding the material's package limits specified in § 173.425 and conforming with requirements specified in § 173.421.
Low Specific Activity (LSA) material means Class 7 (radioactive) material with limited specific activity which is not fissile material or is excepted under § 173.453, and which satisfies the descriptions and limits set forth below. Shielding material surrounding the LSA material may not be considered in determining the estimated average specific activity of the LSA material. LSA material must be in one of three groups:
(1) LSA-I:
(i) Uranium and thorium ores, concentrates of uranium and thorium ores, and other ores containing naturally occurring radionuclides which are intended to be processed for the use of these radionuclides; or
(ii) Natural uranium, depleted uranium, natural thorium or their compounds or mixtures, provided they are unirradiated and in solid or liquid form; or
(iii) Radioactive material for which the A 2 value is unlimited; or
(iv) Other radioactive material in which the activity is distributed throughout and the estimated average specific activity does not exceed 30 times the values for activity concentration specified in § 173.436 or calculated in accordance with § 173.433, or 30 times the default values listed in Table 8 of § 173.433.
(2) LSA-II:
(i) Water with tritium concentration up to 0.8 TBq/L (20.0 Ci/L); or
(ii) Other radioactive material in which the activity is distributed throughout and the average specific activity does not exceed 10 −4 A 2 /g for solids and gases, and 10 −5 A 2 /g for liquids.
(3) LSA-III. Solids ( e.g., consolidated wastes, activated materials), excluding powders, that meet the requirements of § 173.468 and in which:
(i) The radioactive material is distributed throughout a solid or a collection of solid objects, or is essentially uniformly distributed in a solid compact binding agent (such as concrete, bitumen, ceramic, etc.);
(ii) The radioactive material is relatively insoluble, or it is intrinsically contained in a relatively insoluble material, so that, even under loss of packaging, the loss of Class 7 (radioactive) material per package by leaching when placed in water for seven days would not exceed 0.1 A 2 ; and
(iii) The estimated average specific activity of the solid, excluding any shielding material, does not exceed 2 × 10 −3 A 2 /g.
Low toxicity alpha emitters means natural uranium; depleted uranium; natural thorium; uranium-235 or uranium-238; thorium-232; thorium-228 and thorium-230 when contained in ores or physical and chemical concentrates; and alpha emitters with a half-life of less than 10 days.
Maximum normal operating pressure means the maximum gauge pressure that would develop in a containment system during a period of one year, in the absence of venting or cooling, under the heat conditions specified in 10 CFR 71.71(c)(1).
Multilateral approval means approval of a package design or shipment by the relevant Competent Authority of the country of origin and of each country through or into which the package or shipment is to be transported. This definition does not include approval from a country over which Class 7 (radioactive) materials are carried in aircraft, if there is no scheduled stop in that country.
Natural thorium means thorium with the naturally occurring distribution of thorium isotopes (essentially 100 percent by weight of thorium-232).
Normal form Class 7 (radioactive) material means Class 7 (radioactive) which has not been demonstrated to qualify as “special form Class 7 (radioactive) material.”
Package means the packaging together with its radioactive contents as presented for transport.
(1) “Excepted package” means a packaging together with its excepted Class 7 (radioactive) materials as specified in §§ 173.421-173.426 and 173.428.
(2) “Industrial package” means a packaging that, together with its low specific activity (LSA) material or surface contaminated object (SCO) contents, meets the requirements of §§ 173.410 and 173.411. Industrial packages are categorized in § 173.411 as either:
(i) “Industrial package Type 1 (Type IP-1);
(ii) “Industrial package Type 2 (Type IP-2); or
(iii) “Industrial package Type 3 (Type IP-3).
(3) “Type A package” means a packaging that, together with its radioactive contents limited to A 1 or A 2 as appropriate, meets the requirements of §§ 173.410 and 173.412 and is designed to retain the integrity of containment and shielding required by this part under normal conditions of transport as demonstrated by the tests set forth in § 173.465 or § 173.466, as appropriate. A Type A package does not require Competent Authority approval.
(4) “Type B package” means a packaging designed to transport greater than an A 1 or A 2 quantity of radioactive material that, together with its radioactive contents, is designed to retain the integrity of containment and shielding required by this part when subjected to the normal conditions of transport and hypothetical accident test conditions set forth in 10 CFR part 71.
(i) “Type B(U) package” means a Type B packaging that, together with its radioactive contents, for international shipments requires unilateral approval only of the package design and of any stowage provisions that may be necessary for heat dissipation.
(ii) “Type B(M) package” means a Type B packaging, together with its radioactive contents, that for international shipments requires multilateral approval of the package design, and may require approval of the conditions of shipment. Type B(M) packages are those Type B package designs which have a maximum normal operating pressure of more than 700 kPa/cm 2 (100 lb/in 2 ) gauge or a relief device which would allow the release of Class 7 (radioactive) material to the environment under the hypothetical accident conditions specified in 10 CFR part 71.
(5) “Fissile material package” means a packaging, together with its fissile material contents, which meets the requirements for fissile material packages described in subpart E of 10 CFR 71. A fissile material package may be a Type AF package, a Type B(U)F package, or a Type B(M)F package.
Packaging means, for Class 7 (radioactive) materials, the assembly of components necessary to ensure compliance with the packaging requirements of this subpart. It may consist of one or more receptacles, absorbent materials, spacing structures, thermal insulation, radiation shielding, service equipment for filling, emptying, venting and pressure relief, and devices for cooling or absorbing mechanical shocks. The conveyance, tie-down system, and auxiliary equipment may sometimes be designated as part of the packaging.
Quality assurance means a systematic program of controls and inspections applied by each person involved in the transport of radioactive material which provides confidence that a standard of safety prescribed in this subchapter is achieved in practice.
Radiation level means the radiation dose-equivalent rate expressed in millisieverts per hour or mSv/h (millirems per hour or mrem/h). It consists of the sum of the dose-equivalent rates from all types of ionizing radiation present including alpha, beta, gamma, and neutron radiation. Neutron flux densities may be used to determine neutron radiation levels according to Table 1:
Table 1—Neutron Fluence Rates To Be Regarded as Equivalent to a Radiation Level of 0.01 mSv/h (1mrem/h) 1
1 Flux densities equivalent for energies between those listed in this table may be obtained by linear interpolation.
Radioactive contents means a Class 7 (radioactive) material, together with any contaminated or activated solids, liquids and gases within the packaging.
Radioactive instrument or article means any manufactured instrument or article such as an instrument, clock, electronic tube or apparatus, or similar instrument or article having Class 7 (radioactive) material in gaseous or non-dispersible solid form as a component part.
Radioactive material means any material containing radionuclides where both the activity concentration and the total activity in the consignment exceed the values specified in the table in § 173.436 or values derived according to the instructions in § 173.433.
Special form Class 7 (radioactive) material means either an indispersible solid radioactive material or a sealed capsule containing radioactive material which satisfies the following conditions:
(1) It is either a single solid piece or a sealed capsule containing radioactive material that can be opened only by destroying the capsule;
(2) The piece or capsule has at least one dimension not less than 5 mm (0.2 in); and
(3) It satisfies the test requirements of § 173.469. Special form encapsulations designed in accordance with the requirements of § 173.389(g) in effect on June 30, 1983 (see 49 CFR part 173, revised as of October 1, 1982), and constructed prior to July 1, 1985 and special form encapsulations designed in accordance with the requirements of § 173.403 in effect on March 31, 1996 (see 49 CFR part 173, revised as of October 1, 1995), and constructed prior to April 1, 1997, may continue to be used. Any other special form encapsulation must meet the requirements of this paragraph (3).
Specific activity of a radionuclide means the activity of the radionuclide per unit mass of that nuclide. The specific activity of a material in which the radionuclide is essentially uniformly distributed is the activity per unit mass of the material.
Surface Contaminated Object (SCO) means a solid object which is not itself radioactive but which has radioactive material distributed on its surface. SCO exists in two phases:
(1) SCO-I: A solid object on which:
(i) The non-fixed contamination on the accessible surface averaged over 300 cm 2 (or the area of the surface if less than 300 cm 2 ) does not exceed 4 Bq/cm 2 (10 −4 microcurie/cm 2 ) for beta and gamma and low toxicity alpha emitters, or 0.4 Bq/cm 2 (10 −5 microcurie/cm 2 ) for all other alpha emitters;
(ii) The fixed contamination on the accessible surface averaged over 300 cm 2 (or the area of the surface if less than 300 cm 2 ) does not exceed 4 × 10 4 Bq/cm 2 (1.0 microcurie/cm 2 ) for beta and gamma and low toxicity alpha emitters, or 4 × 10 3 Bq/cm 2 (0.1 microcurie/cm 2 ) for all other alpha emitters; and
(iii) The non-fixed contamination plus the fixed contamination on the inaccessible surface averaged over 300 cm 2 (or the area of the surface if less than 300 cm 2 ) does not exceed 4 × 10 4 Bq/cm 2 (1 microcurie/cm 2 ) for beta and gamma and low toxicity alpha emitters, or 4 × 10 3 Bq/cm 2 (0.1 microcurie/cm 2 ) for all other alpha emitters.
(2) SCO-II: A solid object on which the limits for SCO-I are exceeded and on which:
(i) The non-fixed contamination on the accessible surface averaged over 300 cm 2 (or the area of the surface if less than 300 cm 2 ) does not exceed 400 Bq/cm 2 (10 −2 microcurie/cm 2 ) for beta and gamma and low toxicity alpha emitters, or 40 Bq/cm 2 (10 −3 microcurie/cm 2 ) for all other alpha emitters;
(ii) The fixed contamination on the accessible surface averaged over 300 cm 2 (or the area of the surface if less than 300 cm 2 ) does not exceed 8 × 10 5 Bq/cm 2 (20 microcurie/cm 2 ) for beta and gamma and low toxicity alpha emitters, or 8 × 10 4 Bq/cm 2 (2 microcuries/cm 2 ) for all other alpha emitters; and
(iii) The non-fixed contamination plus the fixed contamination on the inaccessible surface averaged over 300 cm 2 (or the area of the surface if less than 300 cm 2 ) does not exceed 8 × 10 5 Bq/cm 2 (20 microcuries/cm 2 ) for beta and gamma and low toxicity alpha emitters, or 8 × 10 4 Bq/cm 2 (2 microcuries/cm 2 ) for all other alpha emitters.
Transport index (TI) means the dimensionless number (rounded up to the next tenth) placed on the label of a package, to designate the degree of control to be exercised by the carrier during transportation. The transport index is determined by multiplying the maximum radiation level in millisieverts (mSv) per hour at 1 m (3.3 ft) from the external surface of the package by 100 (equivalent to the maximum radiation level in millirem per hour at 1 m (3.3 ft)).
Type A quantity means a quantity of Class 7 (radioactive) material, the aggregate radioactivity which does not exceed A 1 for special form Class 7 (radioactive) material of A 2 for normal form Class 7 (radioactive) material, where A 1 and A 2 values are given in § 173.435 or are determined in accordance with § 173.433.
Type B quantity means a quantity of material greater than a Type A quantity.
Unilateral approval means approval of a package design solely by the Competent Authority of the country of origin of the design.
Unirradiated thorium means thorium containing not more than 10 −7 grams uranium-233 per gram of thorium-232.
Unirradiated uranium means uranium containing not more than 2 × 10 3 Bq of plutonium per gram of uranium-235, not more than 9 × 10 6 Bq of fission products per gram of uranium-235 and not more than 5 × 10 −3 g of uranium-236 per gram of uranium-235.
Uranium — natural, depleted or enriched means the following:
(1)(i) “Natural uranium” means uranium (which may be chemically separated) containing the naturally occurring distribution of uranium isotopes (approximately 99.28% uranium-238 and 0.72% uranium-235 by mass).
(ii) “Depleted uranium” means uranium containing a lesser mass percentage of uranium-235 than in natural uranium.
(iii) “Enriched uranium” means uranium containing a greater mass percentage of uranium-235 than 0.72%.
(2) For each of these definitions, a very small mass percentage of uranium-234 may be present.
§ 173.410   General design requirements.
In addition to the requirements of subparts A and B of this part, each package used for the shipment of Class 7 (radioactive) materials must be designed so that—
(a) The package can be easily handled and properly secured in or on a conveyance during transport.
(b) Each lifting attachment that is a structural part of the package must be designed with a minimum safety factor of three against yielding when used to lift the package in the intended manner, and it must be designed so that failure of any lifting attachment under excessive load would not impair the ability of the package to meet other requirements of this subpart. Any other structural part of the package which could be used to lift the package must be capable of being rendered inoperable for lifting the package during transport or must be designed with strength equivalent to that required for lifting attachments.
(c) The external surface, as far as practicable, will be free from protruding features and will be easily decontaminated.
(d) The outer layer of packaging will avoid, as far as practicable, pockets or crevices where water might collect.
(e) Each feature that is added to the package will not reduce the safety of the package.
(f) The package will be capable of withstanding the effects of any acceleration, vibration or vibration resonance that may arise under normal conditions of transport without any deterioration in the effectiveness of the closing devices on the various receptacles or in the integrity of the package as a whole and without loosening or unintentionally releasing the nuts, bolts, or other securing devices even after repeated use (see §§ 173.24, 173.24a, and 173.24b).
(g) The materials of construction of the packaging and any components or structure will be physically and chemically compatible with each other and with the package contents. The behavior of the packaging and the package contents under irradiation will be taken into account.
(h) All valves through which the package contents could escape will be protected against unauthorized operation.
(i) For transport by air—
(1) The temperature of the accessible surfaces of the package will not exceed 50 °C (122 °F) at an ambient temperature of 38 °C (100 °F) with no account taken for insulation;
(2) The integrity of containment will not be impaired if the package is exposed to ambient temperatures ranging from −40 °C (−40 °F) to + 55 °C (131 °F); and
(3) A package containing liquid contents must be capable of withstanding, without leakage, an internal pressure that produces a pressure differential of not less than the maximum normal operating pressure plus 95 kPa (13.8 psi).